ISO 22140:2021

Overview

ISO 22140:2021 - Passenger cars - Validation of vehicle dynamics simulation - Lateral transient response test methods - defines repeatable methods to validate vehicle dynamics simulation tools against measured lateral transient response data from an existing passenger car. The standard specifies how to compare simulation outputs from a vehicle mathematical model with physical test results (per ISO 7401) so the simulator can be judged reliable when applied to variants of the tested vehicle. It is applicable to passenger cars as defined in ISO 3833.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Purpose: Provide discriminatory, repeatable comparison methods between simulation and physical test data to validate simulation tools for lateral transient behavior.
• Test types (time and frequency domains):
  • Time domain: step input and sinusoidal input (one period).
  • Frequency domain: random input, pulse input, and continuous sinusoidal input.
• Measured and simulated variables: steering-wheel angle, yaw velocity, lateral acceleration, longitudinal velocity. Optional variables include roll angle, sideslip, lateral velocity and steering-wheel torque.
• Simulation tool requirements (high level):
  • Accurate representation of mass and inertia, tires, suspension, steering, aerodynamics, brakes, powertrain, and active control systems (e.g., ESC).
  • Proper data acquisition and driver control modelling for open‑loop tests.
• Physical testing: Specifies minimum testing practice elements such as measuring equipment, test conditions, data filtering and that the existing vehicle be physically tested at least three times for comparison.
• Comparison methodology:
  • Time-domain comparisons use characteristic values (gains, response times, time lags, overshoot) with percent‑error tolerances defined in the standard.
  • Frequency-domain comparisons overlay measured frequency responses (amplitudes and phases) against simulation‑defined boundaries and apply specified tolerances.
• Documentation: Requirements for recording, processing and documenting both physical and simulation test procedures and results.

Practical applications and who uses it

• Vehicle dynamics engineers validating multi‑body and plant models for handling and stability analyses.
• OEMs and tiered suppliers verifying that simulation tools can predict real-vehicle lateral transient response across variant configurations.
• Simulation software vendors demonstrating model fidelity and compliance for automotive customers.
• Test laboratories and validation teams establishing methods to compare measurement data to model outputs.
• Regulatory and safety assessment groups using validated simulations as part of development or compliance workflows.

Related standards

• ISO 7401 - Road vehicles: lateral transient response test methods (open-loop)
• ISO 3833 - Vehicle types and definitions (passenger cars)
• ISO 8855 - Vehicle dynamics vocabulary
• ISO 15037-1 - Vehicle dynamics test methods - general conditions for passenger cars
• ISO 1176, ISO 2416 - Mass and mass distribution terminology

This standard is essential for ensuring simulation credibility in vehicle handling and stability work - improving development speed, reducing prototype testing, and supporting consistent validation practices across the automotive industry.