Abstract
The purpose of the present work was to design, optimize, and test an innovative suspension system for race cars. The study was based on a comprehensive approach that involved conceptual design, modeling, simulation and optimization, and development and testing of the experimental model of the proposed suspension system. The optimization process was approached through multi-objective optimal design techniques, based on design of experiments (DOE) investigation strategies and regression models. At the same time, a synthesis method based on the least squares approach was developed and integrated in the optimal design algorithm. The design in the virtual environment was achieved by using the multi-body systems (MBS) software package ADAMS, more precisely ADAMS/View—for modeling and simulation, and ADAMS/Insight—for multi-objective optimization. The physical prototype of proposed suspension system was implemented and tested with the help of BlueStreamline, the Formula Student race car of the Transilvania University of Brașov. The dynamic behavior of the prototype was evaluated by specific experimental tests, similar to those the single seater would have to pass through in the competitions. Both the virtual and experimental results proved the performance of the proposed suspension system, as well as the usefulness of the design algorithm by which the novel suspension was developed.
Highlights
IntroductionWhile passing over irregularities on the rolling surface, the car wheel was subjected to vertical displacement
In case of passenger car guiding systems, there are many theoretical and practical researches, including various analysis and optimization methods/techniques [11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21], which reflect the performances provided by the current designs, and in case of the single seater and lightweight formula cars, due to their special purpose and use, there are still researchable aspects insufficiently addressed so far
While for passenger cars there are a multitude of suspension system solutions, in Figures 28 and 31, it is clear that the race car had a linear all-around behavior and had good handling capabilities
Summary
While passing over irregularities on the rolling surface, the car wheel was subjected to vertical displacement. The suspension system (which includes the wheel guiding mechanism, and the elastic and damping elements) has the role of minimizing the impact that the rolling surface irregularities has on the chassis, reducing the forces, damping the vibration, isolating the interior (cabin/cockpit) from noise and shocks, and improving the ride and handling of the vehicle [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. In case of passenger car guiding (suspension and steering) systems, there are many theoretical and practical researches, including various analysis and optimization methods/techniques [11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21], which reflect the performances provided by the current designs, and in case of the single seater and lightweight formula cars, due to their special purpose and use, there are still researchable aspects insufficiently addressed so far
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