Optimization of vehicle suspension parameters based on ride comfort and stability requirements

Abstract

The use of optimization methods in engineering is growing, allowing the best possible way to fulfill the requirements of the project. For vehicle suspensions, there are various conditions, which involve comfort, safety, stability, maneuverability, among others. A safety and stability evaluation is carried out by several tests, including Double Lane Change. In this maneuver, the vehicle must change lanes quickly twice, allowing it to be assessed for stability in sudden movements. For ride comfort, it is common for the design to be based on the vehicle’s natural vibration frequencies. In this context, this work aims to present a methodology for optimizing the suspension parameters of a vehicle, based on the natural frequencies of vibration and the simulation of a Double Lane Change maneuver. For that, it is employed vertical and lateral dynamics mathematical models, with hypotheses that allow the adequate adaptation to the represented phenomena. Finally, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used, which is a stochastic algorithm, based on nature. It has low computational cost, with reasonable results, allowing the parameters to be estimated and comprising the two objectives simultaneously.