Abstract
ABSTRACTThis paper studies the use of the least damping ratio among system poles as a performance metric in passive vehicle suspensions. Methods are developed which allow optimal solutions to be computed in terms of non-dimensional quantities in a quarter-car vehicle model. Solutions are provided in graphical form for convenient use across vehicle types. Three suspension arrangements are studied: the standard suspension involving a parallel spring and damper and two further suspension arrangements involving an inerter. The key parameters for the optimal solutions are the ratios of unsprung mass to sprung mass and suspension static stiffness to tyre vertical stiffness. A discussion is provided of performance trends in terms of the key parameters. A comparison is made with the optimisation of ride comfort and tyre grip metrics for various vehicle types.
Highlights
Analytical solutions for optimal suspensions provide guidance on parameter settings, but more importantly, have the potential to offer insight into vehicle design
This paper studies the use of the least damping ratio among system poles as a performance metric in passive vehicle suspensions
The key parameters for the optimal solutions are the ratios of unsprung mass to sprung mass and suspension static stiffness to tyre vertical stiffness
Summary
Analytical solutions for optimal suspensions provide guidance on parameter settings, but more importantly, have the potential to offer insight into vehicle design. The dependence of an optimum on key parameters or ratios can influence design at the vehicle concept stage before a suspension system is conceived or optimised. Such information is especially useful if design choices are being considered that lie outside the parameter ranges of traditional designs. The present paper provides optimal solutions for the least damping ratio in terms of non-dimensional quantities. A comparison is made for a range of vehicle types with the optimisation of ride comfort and tyre grip metrics
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