Development of Nonlinear Coupled Mode Bushing Model Based on the Bouc-Wen Hysteretic Model

Abstract

In this paper, a coupled bushing model for vehicle dynamics analysis based on the Bouc-Wen hysteretic model is proposed. Bushing components of a vehicle suspension system are tested to capture the nonlinear and behavior of the typical rubber bushing elements using MTS machine. Test results are used to define the parameters of the Bouc-Wen bushing model. The Bouc-Wen model is employed to represent the hysteretic characteristics of the bushing. A coupled relation for radial mode and torsional mode are suggested. Model parameters are obtained by using the genetic algorithm, and sensitivity indices of parameters are also extracted from the sensitivity analyses. ADAMS program is used for the identification process and VisualDOC program is employed to find the optimal parameters of the proposed model. A half-car simulation is carried out to validate the proposed bushing model.