Errors in Processing of Vehicle Vibration Data

Abstract

Vehicle vibration data are acquired during experimental measurements. Unfortunately, every measurement is associated with certain amount of measurement error. Since the validity of experimental results and their analysis directly depends on the amount of errors contained in the measurement process, error identification is a very important part of experimental research. After a brief discussion of possible measurement errors, the main attention in the paper has been given to statistical errors in analysis of the measurement results. Theoretical expressions for statistical errors of data processing are taken from the related literature and presented in a form that corresponds to real conducted measurement. Experimental data of vehicle vibrations – vertical accelerations at the centres of all four wheels and at the connection point between the front left damper and the car body were acquired during the road investigations of the vehicle. Statistical errors made during data processing are calculated, graphically presented and discussed. Finally, conclusions on reducing the amount of errors during vehicle investigations are drawn.