Operator model for wheel loader short-cycle loading handling

The need to virtually analyze the interaction between construction equipment machines and geomaterials is critical. This paper investigates the virtual analysis of force-driven maneuvers of a wheel loader (WL) within a co-simulation framework. This framework has been developed integrating the operators' model of the WL and its interaction with the power source model, i.e., the drive train, the hydraulics, and the material. It includes trajectory prediction using optimal control and control strategies to follow computed trajectories. The results show that the co-simulation model aligns well with measurement data validating the model's accuracy in different types of operators driving. The results are very useful for engineers in product development to improve WL design and controls. The successful validation of the framework also paves the way for future research to enhance the virtual simulation techniques to optimize WL performances with different types of operators. • High-fidelity multi-body co-simulation framework. • Framework with advanced operator, power source, hydraulic, and particle interactions. • Trajectory planning during simulations using machine characteristics in short-cycle. • Measurements of real-world operators align with simulation model operators.