Hybrid modelling and damping collaborative optimisation of Five-suspensions for coupling driver-seat-cab system

For the complex structure and vibration characteristics of coupling driver-seat-cab system of trucks, there is no damping optimisation theory for its suspensions at present, which seriously restricts the improvement of vehicle ride comfort. Thus, in this paper, the seat suspension was regarded as ‘the fifth suspension’ of cab, the ‘Five-suspensions’ for this system was proposed. Based on this, using the mechanism modelling method, a 4 degree-of-freedom coupling driver-seat-cab system model was presented; then, by the tested cab suspensions excitation and seat acceleration response, its parameters identification mathematical model was established. Based on this, taking optimal ride comfort as target, its damping collaborative optimisation mathematical model was built. Combining the tested signals and a simulation model with the mathematical models of parameters identification and damping collaborative optimisation, a complete flow of hybrid modelling and damping collaborative optimisation of Five-suspensions was presented. With a practical example of seat and cab system, the damping parameters were optimised and validated by simulation and bench test. The results show that the model and method proposed are correct and reliable, providing a valuable reference for the design of seat suspension and cab suspensions.     

A study of locomotive driver's seat vertical suspension system with adjustable damper

This paper shows that laboratory measurements can be used for the identification of structure and parameters of commercial seat vertical suspension system model. A commonly used single-degree-of-freedom suspension model does not suffice. The system model presented is based on Zener's structure and clearly describes the dynamic properties of a vertical seat suspension with an adjustable damper. The model introduced, augmented with seat cushion dynamic model, predicts the seat vertical vibration mitigation properties under field conditions with a reasonable accuracy. Optimisation of the adjustable damper setting is performed using a two-objective function optimisation technique. This enables us to optimise not only the exerted vertical vibration acceleration but also the seat relative vertical displacement (stroke). Optimisation was facilitated for the particular suspended seat without the requirement of further field measurements. In addition, a two-parameter optimisation was performed showing possible further improvement in both objectives at the manufacturer's discretion. This study could be representative of driver's seats equipped with vertical seat suspension system using an air-spring and an adjustable damper.     

Hierarchical optimisation on scissor seat suspension characteristic and structure

Scissor seat suspension has been applied widely to attenuate the cab vibrations of commercial vehicles, while its design generally needs a trade-off between the seat acceleration and suspension travel, which creates a typical optimisation issue. A complexity for this issue is that the optimal dynamics parameters are not easy to approach solutions fast and unequivocally. Hence, the hierarchical optimisation on scissor seat suspension characteristic and structure is proposed, providing a top-down methodology with the globally optimal and fast convergent solutions to compromise these design contradictions. In details, a characteristic-oriented non-parametric dynamics model of the scissor seat suspension is formulated firstly via databases, describing its vertical dynamics accurately. Then, the ideal vertical stiffness-damping characteristic is cascaded via the characteristic-oriented model, and the structure parameters are optimised in accordance with a structure-oriented multi-body dynamics model of the scissor seat suspension. Eventually, the seat effective amplitude transmissibility factor, suspension travel and the CPU time for solving are evaluated. The results show the seat suspension performance and convergent speed of the globally optimal solutions are improved well. Hence, the proposed hierarchical optimisation methodology regarding characteristic and structure of the scissor seat suspension is promising for its virtual development.     

An Original Feedback Control with a Reversible Electromechanical Actuator Used as an Active Isolation System for a Seat Suspension. Part I: Theoretical Study

This paper provides an overview of a theoretical study of an active seat suspension. The principal objective of this study is to improve ride passenger comfort by reducing transmitted seat acceleration. The seat is represented by a non-linear two degree of freedom model. The system is linearized for small perturbations around the equilibrium. To control the dynamic of the seat suspension, an original feedback control command with a reversible electromechanical actuator is achieved. The synthesis of the regulator is realized on the linearized model of the seat suspension and the root locus method is employed. Stability and robustness characteristics have been studied. Numerical simulations in time and frequency domain show the interests of the regulator and its capability to isolate seat passenger.     

An Original Feedback Control with a Reversible Electromechanical Actuator Used as an Active Isolation System for a Seat Suspension. Part I: Theoretical Study

This paper provides an overview of a theoretical study of an active seat suspension. The principal objective of this study is to improve ride passenger comfort by reducing transmitted seat acceleration. The seat is represented by a non-linear two degree of freedom model. The system is linearized for small perturbations around the equilibrium. To control the dynamic of the seat suspension, an original feedback control command with a reversible electromechanical actuator is achieved. The synthesis of the regulator is realized on the linearized model of the seat suspension and the root locus method is employed. Stability and robustness characteristics have been studied. Numerical simulations in time and frequency domain show the interests of the regulator and its capability to isolate seat passenger.     

Parameters optimisation of a vehicle suspension system using a particle swarm optimisation algorithm

The purpose of this paper is to determine the lumped suspension parameters that minimise a multi-objective function in a vehicle model under different standard PSD road profiles. This optimisation tries to meet the rms vertical acceleration weighted limits for human sensitivity curves from ISO 2631 [ISO-2631: guide for evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration. Europe; 1997] at the driver's seat, the road holding capability and the suspension working space. The vehicle is modelled in the frequency domain using eight degrees of freedom under a random road profile. The particle swarm optimisation and sequential quadratic programming algorithms are used to obtain the suspension optimal parameters in different road profile and vehicle velocity conditions. A sensitivity analysis is performed using the obtained results and, in Class G road profile, the seat damping has the major influence on the minimisation of the multi-objective function. The influence of vehicle parameters in vibration attenuation is analysed and it is concluded that the front suspension stiffness should be less stiff than the rear ones when the driver's seat relative position is located forward the centre of gravity of the car body. Graphs and tables for the behaviour of suspension parameters related to road classes, used algorithms and velocities are presented to illustrate the results. In Class A road profile it was possible to find optimal parameters within the boundaries of the design variables that resulted in acceptable values for the comfort, road holding and suspension working space.     

一种新型农用车辆减震座椅的设计

随着人们对人体健康逐渐重视,对农用车辆的舒适度进行改进显得迫不及待。本文充分考虑了振动幅度和动挠度两个方面,设计一种新型农用车辆减震座椅,采用阻尼可调减震器代替现在农用车辆广泛使用的一般阻尼不可调减震器,将单刚度弹簧改换成双螺旋弹簧,从而改善座椅系统的动态振动特性。     

某轻型客车安全带的动态特性分析及改进

安全带是轿车上最重要的乘员约束装置,其中三点紧急锁止式安全带应用最广泛,装备数量最多。本文在试验的基础上,应用电测量和图像测量,结合电测数据和图像数据同步后处理方法,对某车型配备的三点紧急锁止式安全带及其约束下的HybridⅢ假人的动态特性进行分析。根据分析结果,提出提高安全带动态性能减小乘员伤害的方法,并进行台车试验验证。最后实车试验结果证明分析改进方法的正确性和有效性。     

Hybrid modeling of seat-cab coupled system for truck

For the complex structure and vibration characteristics of the seat and cab system of truck, there is no reliable theoretical model for the suspensions design at present, which seriously restricts the improvement of ride comfort. In this paper, a 4 degree-of-freedom seat-cab coupled system model was presented; using the mechanism modeling method, its vibration equations were built; then, by the tested cab suspensions excitations and seat acceleration response, its parameters identification mathematical model was established. Combining the tested signals and a simulation model with the parameters identification mathematical model, a new method of hybrid modeling of seat-cab coupled system was presented. With a practical example of seat and cab system, the parameters values were identified and validated by simulation and test. The results show that the model and method proposed are correct and reliable, and lay a good foundation for the optimal design of seat suspension and cab suspensions to improve ride comfort.     

Optimal selection of suspension parameters in large scale vehicle models

Optimum values are selected for the suspension damping and stiffness parameters of complex car models, subjected to road excitation, by applying suitable numerical methodologies. These models result from a detailed finite-element discretisation and possess a relatively large number of degrees of freedom. They also involve strongly nonlinear characteristics, due mostly to large rigid body rotation of some of their components and the properties of the connection elements. First, attention is focused on gaining some insight into the dynamics of the mechanical models examined, resulting when the vehicle passes over roads involving typical geometric profiles. Then, the emphasis is shifted to presenting results obtained by applying appropriate optimisation methodologies. For this purpose, three classes of design criteria are first set up, referring to passenger ride comfort, suspension travel and car road holding and yielding the most important suspension stiffness and damping parameters. Originally, the optimisation is performed by forming a composite cost function and employing a single-objective optimisation method. Since the design criteria are conflicting, a multi-objective optimisation methodology is also set up and applied subsequently.     

Design of robust-stable and quadratic finite-horizon optimal controllers with low trajectory sensitivity for uncertain active suspension systems

This paper presents a design method for designing the robust-stable and quadratic-finite-horizon-optimal controllers of uncertain active suspension systems. The method integrates a robust stabilisability condition, the orthogonal functions approach (OFA) and the hybrid Taguchi-genetic algorithm (HTGA). Using the integrative computational method, a robust-stable and quadratic-finite-horizon-optimal controller with low-trajectory sensitivity can be obtained such that (i) the active suspension system with elemental parametric uncertainties is stabilised and (ii) a quadratic-finite-horizon-integral performance index including a quadratic trajectory sensitivity term for the nominal active suspension system is minimised. The robust stabilisability condition is proposed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Based on the OFA, an algebraic algorithm only involving the algebraic computation is derived for solving the nominal active suspension feedback dynamic equations. By using the OFA and the LMI-based robust stabilisability condition, the dynamic optimisation problem for the robust-stable and quadratic-finite-horizon-optimal controller design of the linear uncertain active suspension system is transformed into a static-constrained-optimisation problem represented by the algebraic equations with constraint of LMI-based robust stabilisability condition; thus greatly simplifies the design problem. Then, for the static-constrained-optimisation problem, the HTGA is employed to find the robust-stable and quadratic-finite-horizon-optimal controllers of the linear uncertain active suspension systems. A design example is given to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed integrative computational approach.     

A Pitch-Plane Model of a Vehicle with Controlled Suspension

A vehicle model incorporating front and rear wheel suspensions and seat suspension is presented. The suspension control includes algorithms to provide both dynamic and steady state (levelling) control. Vehicle response to (a) vertical inputs due to ground disturbances at the wheels and (b) longitudinal inputs due to the inertial forces during braking and accelerating, are investigated. It is shown that the static (self-levelling) control causes a slight deterioration in dynamic performance. The active ride control produces improvements of ride comfort under dynamic conditions compared to an equivalent passively suspended vehicle. In steady state the proposed control eliminates the error heave of the body caused by tilting of the vehicle with active suspension.     

A Full-Car Roll Model of a Vehicle with Controlled Suspension

SUMMARY

The full-car roll model of a vehicle suspension with static and dynamic control (using wheel, body and seat) is described by means of vertical and lateral input for both static and dynamic states. It is shown that the control deteriorates the static performance of the vertical response and improves the performance of the lateral response.     

铰接式自卸车悬架系统动力学建模与仿真

建立了一个铰接式自卸车9自由度线性动力学模型，并用Matlab语言编写了基于Simpson算法的仿真程序，来仿真它对路面随机输入的响应，用以计算数种工况下座椅总加权加速度均方根值。仿真结果表明，所建模型能较好地吻合座椅的实际振动，不仅可以正确评估系统的平顺性性能，还可为新型铰接车辆悬架系统、橡胶弹簧的优化设计提供理论和方法支持。     

Methodology to Improve the Performance of the End-stop Buffers of Suspension Seats

The aim of this study was to optimise the characteristics of the bottom end-stop buffers of compact suspension seats fitted to fork lift trucks with a load-lifting capacity of less than 3.5 tons, earthmoving equipment, farm tractors and plants intended for forestry work. This work required the development of a numerical model of a seat subject to movements likely to cause impact with the end-stop buffer. The model employs a global approach based on modelling the friction phenomenon of the suspension mechanisms by means of Bouc-Wen's behavior law. After validation, the model was used to calculate the optimal characteristics (stiffness, damping and height) of the bottom end-stop buffers of the seat. Prototypes of optimised end-stop buffers were produced from the optimal characteristics calculated. Comparisons between the nominal end-stop buffers and the optimised buffers were made in the laboratory using the excitation signals recorded in the field. The results show that when the optimised end-stop buffers were fixed to the seat instead of the nominal end-stop buffers, between 73% and 93% of the maximum achievable gain was obtained at the acceleration peaks.     

Railway vehicle performance optimisation using virtual homologation

Unlike regular automotive vehicles, which are designed to travel in different types of roads, railway vehicles travel mostly in the same route during their life cycle. To accept the operation of a railway vehicle in a particular network, a homologation process is required according to local standard regulations. In Europe, the standards EN 14363 and UIC 518, which are used for railway vehicle acceptance, require on-track tests and/or numerical simulations. An important advantage of using virtual homologation is the reduction of the high costs associated with on-track tests by studying the railway vehicle performance in different operation conditions. This work proposes a methodology for the improvement of railway vehicle design with the objective of its operation in selected railway tracks by using optimisation. The analyses required for the vehicle improvement are performed under control of the optimisation method global and local optimisation using direct search. To quantify the performance of the vehicle, a new objective function is proposed, which includes: a Dynamic Performance Index, defined as a weighted sum of the indices obtained from the virtual homologation process; the non-compensated acceleration, which is related to the operational velocity; and a penalty associated with cases where the vehicle presents an unacceptable dynamic behaviour according to the standards. Thus, the optimisation process intends not only to improve the quality of the vehicle in terms of running safety and ride quality, but also to increase the vehicle availability via the reduction of the time for a journey while ensuring its operational acceptance under the standards. The design variables include the suspension characteristics and the operational velocity of the vehicle, which are allowed to vary in an acceptable range of variation. The results of the optimisation lead to a global minimum of the objective function in which the suspensions characteristics of the vehicle are optimal for the track, the maximum operational velocity is increased while the safety and ride quality measures of the vehicle, as defined by homologation standards, are either maintained in acceptable values or improved.     

Nonlinearity in the vertical transmissibility of seating: the role of the human body apparent mass and seat dynamic stiffness

The efficiency of a seat in reducing vibration depends on the characteristics of the vibration, the dynamic characteristics of the seat, and the dynamic characteristics of the person sitting on the seat. However, it is not known whether seat cushions influence the dynamic response of the human body, whether the human body influences the dynamic response of seat cushions, or the relative importance of human body nonlinearity and seat nonlinearity in causing nonlinearity in measures of seat transmissibility. This study was designed to investigate the nonlinearity of the coupled seat and human body systems and to compare the apparent mass of the human body supported on rigid and foam seats. A frequency domain model was used to identify the dynamic parameters of seat foams and investigate their dependence on the subject-sitting weight and hip breadth. With 15 subjects, the force and acceleration at the seat base and acceleration at the subject interface were measured during random vertical vibration excitation (0.25–25 Hz) at each of five vibration magnitudes, (0.25–1.6 ms^?2 r.m.s.) with four seating conditions (rigid flat seat and three foam cushions). The measurements are presented in terms of the subject's apparent mass on the rigid and foam seat surfaces, and the transmissibility and dynamic stiffness of each of the foam cushions. Both the human body and the foams showed nonlinear softening behaviour, which resulted in nonlinear cushion transmissibility. The apparent masses of subjects sitting on the rigid seat and on foam cushions were similar, but with an apparent increase in damping when sitting on the foams. The foam dynamic stiffness showed complex correlations with characteristics of the human body, which differed between foams. The nonlinearities in cushion transmissibilities, expressed in terms of changes in resonance frequencies and moduli, were more dependent on human body nonlinearity than on cushion nonlinearity.     

Methodology to Improve the Performance of the End-stop Buffers of Suspension Seats

The aim of this study was to optimise the characteristics of the bottom end-stop buffers of compact suspension seats fitted to fork lift trucks with a load-lifting capacity of less than 3.5 tons, earthmoving equipment, farm tractors and plants intended for forestry work. This work required the development of a numerical model of a seat subject to movements likely to cause impact with the end-stop buffer. The model employs a global approach based on modelling the friction phenomenon of the suspension mechanisms by means of Bouc—Wen's behavior law. After validation, the model was used to calculate the optimal characteristics (stiffness, damping and height) of the bottom end-stop buffers of the seat. Prototypes of optimised end-stop buffers were produced from the optimal characteristics calculated. Comparisons between the nominal end-stop buffers and the optimised buffers were made in the laboratory using the excitation signals recorded in the field. The results show that when the optimised end-stop buffers were fixed to the seat instead of the nominal end-stop buffers, between 73% and 93% of the maximum achievable gain was obtained at the acceleration peaks.     

Improvements in Dynamic Characteristics of Automobile Suspension Systems Part 1. Two-Mass Systems

In a previous paper, [3] the random vibrations of simple linear models of automobile suspension were solved with respect to seat elasticity and human sensitivity to vibrations. The present study uses more realistic linear models taking into account the unsprung mass.

Two configurations of masses are investigated: a two-mass system consisting of a sprung mass and an unsprung mass, and a three-mass system having an additional mass which acts as a vibration absorber. The gain in comfort obtained by lowering the natural frequency of the sprung mass is calculated for various two-mass and three-mass models along with other characteristics such as the dynamic tyre load, spring and damper forces and relative motion of the masses.     

Optimum Suspension Design for Motorcycle Braking

A mathematical model for the in-plane dynamic analysis of motorcycles is presented and the performance during an emergency braking manoeuvre is analysed. The effects of braking torque amplitude and time constant are discussed and the problems of lock-up and loss of contact of the rear wheel are highlighted. The suspensions' vibrations during braking are analysed by means of modal analysis. An optimisation method is developed in order to find the braking torque and the suspension parameters that minimise the stopping distance. The method takes the complete dynamic behaviour of the vehicle during braking into account and is based on a non-derivative minimisation algorithm. Several results are presented that show the possibility of shortening the stopping distance by optimum design of one or both of the suspensions.