Abstract
This paper describes a method of optimising the motion characteristics of a double wishbone front suspension system by using a genetic algorithm. The analysis considered only the kinematics of the system. The mechanism is made of two spatial closed loops - the first loop (the main double wishbone mechanism) is analysed and results fed into the second loop, describing the steering mechanism. The mechanism is such that it allows hierarchical analysis. The analysis is carried out in the time domain. As the two loops are linked together, overall motion influenced by the kinematics of these loops and the vertical oscillation of the suspension system would cause an oscillation of wheel orientation in space. The objective function is designed to represent the degree of coupling between the motion of the wishbone and steering mechanisms. A genetic algorithm is used to vary 20 selected design parameters of the suspension-steering mechanism in order to minimise the amplitude of wheel steer oscillation due to vertical suspension oscillation. Although the study is not carried out on any "real" suspension system, the software could be used as a general design tool and it allows alternative objective functions without substantial change to the software.
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