Hybrid modelling of driver seat-cushion coupled system for metropolitan bus

Abstract

For the complex structure of driver seat-cushion coupled system for metropolitan buses, there are still lack of convenient and reliable modelling methods for the system at present. To improve ride comfort, the coupled dynamic model is urgently needed to give insight into the dynamic properties of the coupled system. In this paper, for a standard commercially available seat fitted into metropolitan buses, the coupling between the seat and cushion, the nonlinear damping characteristics of the seat damper, and the elastic properties of the damper mounting bushings have been accounted for in a three degree-of-freedom driver seat-cushion coupled system model. Combing field measurements of the seat suspension excitation and cushion acceleration response, a specific flow of hybrid modelling of driver seat-cushion coupled system without the requirement of further bench tests was presented. The analogy between acceleration responses in the frequency domain and the time courses proves that the model can predict the dynamic characteristics of the coupled system with good accuracy for stationary random excitation. The model parameters were also validated by the corresponding bench test. The results show that the accuracy of the model parameters is sufficient and the hybrid modelling method is reliable, which provide a foundation for the optimal design of seat suspension and/or cushion to further improve ride comfort.