Three-factor mathematical model for determinig motor vehicle fuel consumption under operating mountain conditions

Abstract

Various factors have an impact on fuel consumption during the operation of a motor vehicle. Among them, we can mention the nominal fuel consumption based on structural features and standard operating conditions of the motor vehicle as the primary reason, followed by additional costs of the fuel. The additional costs are due to changes in road surface conditions, an increase in the vehicle load, and the adaptability of the motor vehicle towards these. In other words, the increase in vehicle fuel consumption is explained by the deviation of operating conditions from standard values. This increase is particularly related to the level of vehicle adaptability. When operating in mountainous conditions, the indicated deviation is strongly related to the slope of the longitudinal profile of the road, as well as, to the geographic height of the terrain. In this paper, a three-factor mathematical model is developed which defines the relationship between the speed of the vehicle, the height of the terrain, and the slope of the road.