The lateral stability of train suspension systems employing inerters

This paper investigates the benefits of lateral stability of train suspension systems employing a newly developed mechanical network element known as an inerter. An inerter was proposed as an ideal mechanical two-port element to substitute for the mass element in the mechanical/electrical analogy. As of now, inerters have been successfully applied to car and motorcycle suspension systems, for which significant performance benefits were reported. This paper discusses the improvements on lateral stability of train suspension systems employing inerters. The study was carried out in three parts. First, an existing 12 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) train model was built and verified by a multi-body-builder, AutoSim^TM. Second, inerters were applied to the train suspension system to increase the critical speed. Finally, the discussion was extended to a 16-DOF model to demonstrate the performance improvement by inerters. From the results, inerters were deemed effective in improving the lateral stability of train suspension systems.     

The performance improvements of train suspension systems with mechanical networks employing inerters

This paper investigates the performance benefits of train suspension systems employing a new mechanical network element called an inerter. An inerter is a true mechanical two-terminal element with the applied force proportional to the relative acceleration across the terminals. Until now, ideal inerters have been applied to car and motorcycle suspension systems, for which a significant performance improvement was reported. In this paper, we discuss the performance benefits of train suspension systems employing inerters. The study was carried out in three phases. First, fixed suspension structures were applied to train suspension systems, and optimised for two performance measures. Secondly, this optimisation was further carried out using linear matrix inequality approaches to discuss the achievable performance of passive networks. The resulting networks can then be realised by synthesis methods, such as the Brune and Bott–Duffin realisation. Finally, the nonlinear properties of inerter models and their impact on system performance were discussed. From the results, the inerter was deemed effective in improving the performance of train suspension systems.     

Vehicle suspensions with a mechatronic network strut

This paper applies a novel mechatronic network strut to vehicle suspensions and discusses the benefits of system performance. The proposed mechatronic strut consists of a ball-screw inerter and permanent magnet electric machinery, such that the system impedance can be realised through a combination of mechanical and electrical networks. Applying the mechatronic strut to vehicle suspensions, we evaluate the improvement of system performance using passive electrical networks. Furthermore, a prototype mechatronic strut is constructed for properties verification. Finally, nonlinearities of the mechatronic strut are taken into account to modify the suspension design. From the simulation and experimental results, the proposed mechatronic network strut is shown to be effective.     

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.     

Kinematic and dynamic analysis of a heavy truck with individual front suspension

The main focus of this work is on the characteristics of a commercial vehicle with individual front suspension (IFS). Both kinematic and dynamic properties of the vehicle are investigated through simulations and analytical expressions. Moreover, employing the model of the tractor semitrailer combination, the study presents the results of comparison between the trucks with IFS and rigid front axle with respect to comfort and handling. This is done by analysing the responses of the vehicles to different road and steering inputs. The obtained results show enhanced comfort and steering feeling for the truck with IFS.     

车辆操纵稳定性及平顺性的协同优化研究

利用车辆多体动力学模型与多目标优化工具,对悬架弹簧、减振器及横向稳定杆特性进行操纵稳定性与行驶平顺性的协同优化仿真.结果表明汽车的操稳性和行驶平顺性的各项性能指标均得到了改善.     

Modelling and analysis of the crush zone of a typical Australian passenger train

In this paper, a three-dimensional nonlinear rigid body model has been developed for the investigation of the crashworthiness of a passenger train using the multibody dynamics approach. This model refers to a typical design of passenger cars and train constructs commonly used in Australia. The high-energy and low-energy crush zones of the cars and the train constructs are assumed and the data are explicitly provided in the paper. The crash scenario is limited to the train colliding on to a fixed barrier symmetrically. The simulations of a single car show that this initial design is only applicable for the crash speed of 35 km/h or lower. For higher speeds (e.g. 140 km/h), the crush lengths or crush forces or both the crush zone elements will have to be enlarged. It is generally better to increase the crush length than the crush force in order to retain the low levels of the longitudinal deceleration of the passenger cars.     

The design of a hold-off device to improve the lateral comfort of rail vehicles

ABSTRACT

Rail vehicles negotiating curves or in crosswinds are subjected to high lateral forces which provoke high displacements of the lateral suspension. As these displacements need to be limited due to gauging restrictions these forces cause the lateral suspension to reach the bumpstops and consequently the passenger comfort is significantly jeopardized. The paper presents the design of a pneumatic system that allows limiting the lateral displacement during curve negotiation (hold-off device). It describes the different phases of the design process starting from the definition of requirements to be fulfilled. The main components and the effect of their characteristics on the overall performance of the centring system are studied, and completed with an experimental analysis of the centring system. Finally, the described methodology is applied to a typical high speed rail vehicle. The results prove that the concept of a centring system which uses the same technology and components that are used in rail vehicles for the pneumatic height control system of secondary suspensions is possible. This fact is particularly interesting as the market offers this kind of components and has proven their reliability during many hours of service therefore the new hold-off system will be based on in-service validated components.     

Rule-based control of a semi-active suspension for minimal sprung mass acceleration: design and measurement

In this paper, a rule-based controller is developed for the control of a semi-active suspension to achieve minimal vertical acceleration. The rules are derived from the results obtained with a model predictive controller. It is shown that a rule-based controller can be derived that mimics the results of the model predictive controller and minimises vertical acceleration. Besides this, measurements on a test vehicle show that the developed rule-based controller achieves a real-world reduction of the vertical acceleration, which is in agreement with the simulations.     

Kinematic and dynamic analysis of the McPherson suspension with a planar quarter-car model

McPherson suspension modelling poses a challenging problem due to its nonlinear asymmetric behaviour. The paper proposes a planar quarter-car analytical model that not only considers vertical motion of the sprung mass (chassis) but also: (i) rotation and translation for the unsprung mass (wheel assembly), (ii) wheel mass and its inertia moment about the longitudinal axis, and (iii) tyre damping and lateral deflection. This kinematic–dynamic model offers a solution to two important shortcomings of the conventional quarter-car model: it accounts for geometry and for tyre modelling. The paper offers a systematic development of the planar model as well as the complete set of mathematical equations. This analytical model can be suitable for fast computation in hardware-in-the-loop applications. Furthermore, a reproducible Simulink implementation is given. The model has been compared with a realistic Adams/View simulation to analyse dynamic behaviour for the jounce and rebound motion of the wheel and two relevant kinematic parameters: camber angle and track width variation.     

四级阻尼可调式液压互联悬架系统性能研究

提出了一种新型四级阻尼可调式液压互联悬架 （FDAHIS） 系统。FDAHIS系统在被动液压互联悬架系统的阻尼阀上并联了两个常通孔面积不同的电磁开关阀,通过反馈控制策略控制电磁阀开闭状态,调节系统液压流量,从而实现阻尼四级可调。为了研究该系统性能,建立FDAHIS系统模型和七自由度整车模型。通过系统单元台架试验对该模型进行了验证。整车仿真结果表明,与被动的液压互联悬架 （HIS） 系统相比,FDAHIS系统在车辆行驶平顺性和抗俯仰性能方面表现更佳。     

Stability enhancement of a high-speed train bogie using active mass inertial actuators

In this study, a method regarding frame lateral vibration control based on the state feedback of an additional oscillator is proposed, so as to improve the bogie hunting stability. The multi-objective optimisation method (MOOP), with two objective functions of the stability index and control effort, is solved by the NSGA-II algorithm to obtain the feedback gains. The frame lateral vibration control can effectively improve the bogie hunting stability according to the linear and non-linear analysis of a high-speed train bogie, in which a fault of the yaw damper and time delay in the control system are considered. The effect of the oscillator suspension parameters and time delay on the system stability and robustness are analysed. The results show that the damped vibration frequency of the oscillator should be equal to the bogie hunting frequency, but a harder oscillator suspension can be used to improve the hunting critical speed margin of the bogie control system. However, just as how the feeding the frame states back directly, a hard oscillator suspension will lead to instability in the control system at a certain time delay. Therefore, the improvement of bogie hunting stability and reduction of control system stability must be considered when optimising the oscillator parameters. For the 350?km/h train bogie covered in this study, the optimal mass, natural frequency and damping ratio of the additional oscillator are acquired.     

传动轴临界转速的有限元方法计算及分析

比较了临界转速的几种常用的计算方法,提出了贴合实际的传动轴计算模型。在这个计算模型基础上利用有限元软件ANSYS进行了临界转速的计算,实验证明此方法计算结果可信,可以广泛应用,同时也可以作为后续研究的基础。     

基于ADAMS的空气悬架客车平顺性仿真与试验

以多体系统动力学理论为基础,应用机械系统仿真分析软件ADAMS,创建空气悬架客车前悬架、后悬架的多体系统动力学模型,包括转向系、发动机、车身、前后轮胎等在内的整车虚拟样机模型。并通过编制路面谱文件对虚拟模型进行平顺性仿真和悬挂系统固有频率仿真试验,结果显示该车的平顺性能比较理想。将仿真结果与样车道路试验结果进行对比,发现二者比较吻合,从而验证了所创建的虚拟样机模型的可靠性。研究结果表明虚拟试验可以有效地分析汽车的平顺性。     

某重型货车空调系统对乘员舱热舒适性影响的分析与改进

应用计算流体力学软件Fluent对某重型货车空调系统和乘员舱中的气流进行数值仿真,其结果与试验对比,相差在5%以内.采用当量温度Teq,i作为评价指标,对乘员舱的热舒适性进行分析.结果表明,由于各风道风量分配不均匀,乘员舱内部气流组织不合理,致使热舒适性较差.对空调系统进行改进,增加前吹面风道风量比例后,乘员舱的热舒适...     

Dynamic analysis of a pantograph-catenary system using absolute nodal coordinates

The dynamic interaction between the catenary and the pantographs of high-speed trains is a very important factor that affects the stable electric power supply. In order to design a reliable current collection system, a multibody simulation model can provide an efficient and economical method to analyze the dynamic behavior of the catenary and pantograph. In this article, a dynamic analysis method for a pantograph-catenary system for a high-speed train is presented, employing absolute nodal coordinates and rigid body reference coordinates. The highly flexible catenary is modeled using a nonlinear continuous beam element, which is based on an absolute nodal coordinate formulation. The pantograph is modeled as a rigid multibody system. The analysis results are compared with experimental data obtained from a running high-speed train. In addition, using a derived system equation of motion, the calculation method for the dynamic stress in the catenary conductor is presented. This study may have significance in providing an example that a structural and multibody dynamics model can be unified into one numerical system.     

采用电磁直线电机的主动悬架控制系统的设计与能量分析

针对因特殊的动力布置形式导致的轮边驱动电动汽车操稳性和平顺性之间冲突,本文中提出了一种新式电磁直线电机式悬架系统的主动控制系统。考虑到其能量回收性能不佳的弊端,基于LQR控制设计了一种包含能量管理单元的能量回收控制器,并在Matlab/Simulink中对整个系统进行了仿真。结果表明,所设计的能量回收控制器不仅能够改善汽车的操稳性和平顺性,而且能有效回收汽车悬架的振动能量。     

Ride quality evaluation of a vehicle with a planar suspension system

The longitudinal connection between a chassis and a wheel in a conventional vehicle suspension system is commonly very stiff than the vertical connection. Such a mechanism can efficiently isolate vibrations and absorb shocks in the vertical direction but cannot sufficiently attenuate the impact in the longitudinal direction. In order to overcome such a limitation, a planar suspension system (PSS) with spring–damper struts in both the longitudinal and vertical directions is proposed so that the vibration along any direction in the wheel rotation plane can be isolated. In this paper, the dynamic responses of a vehicle with PSS due to a single bump and random road unevenness are investigated. The ride quality of the vehicle with PSS is evaluated in accordance with ISO 2631. A comparison with that of a similar conventional vehicle is conducted to demonstrate the promising potentials of the PSS in improving the vehicle ride quality.     

Multi-objective optimization of quarter-car models with a passive or semi-active suspension system

A systematic methodology is applied in an effort to select optimum values for the suspension damping and stiffness parameters of two degrees of freedom quarter-car models, subjected to road excitation. First, models involving passive suspension dampers with constant or dual rate characteristics are considered. In addition, models with semi-active suspensions are also examined. Moreover, special emphasis is put in modeling possible temporary separations of the wheel from the ground. For all these models, appropriate methodologies are employed for capturing the motions of the vehicle resulting from passing with a constant horizontal speed over roads involving an isolated or a distributed geometric irregularity. The optimization process is based on three suitable performance criteria, related to ride comfort, suspension travel and road holding of the vehicle and yielding the most important suspension stiffness and damping parameters. As these criteria are conflicting, a suitable multi-objective optimization methodology is set up and applied. As a result, a series of diagrams with typical numerical results are presented and compared in both the corresponding objective spaces (in the form of classical Pareto fronts) and parameter spaces.