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.     

Impact of inerter nonlinearities on vehicle suspension control

This paper discusses the nonlinear properties of inerters and their impact on vehicle suspension control. The inerter was recently introduced as an ideal mechanical two-terminal element, which is a substitute for the mass element, where the applied force is proportional to the relative acceleration across the terminals. Until now, ideal inerters have been applied to vehicle, motorcycle and train suspension systems, in which significant performance improvement was achieved. However, due to the mechanical construction, some nonlinear properties of the existing mechanical models of inerters are noted. This paper investigates the inerter nonlinearities, including friction, backlash and the elastic effect, and their influence on vehicle suspension performance. A testing platform is also built to verify the nonlinear properties of the inerter model.     

Performance Benefits in Passive Vehicle Suspensions Employing Inerters

A new ideal mechanical one-port network element named the inerter was recently introduced, and shown to be realisable, with the property that the applied force is proportional to the relative acceleration across the element. This paper makes a comparative study of several simple passive suspension struts, each containing at most one damper and inerter as a preliminary investigation into the potential performance advantages of the element. Improved performance for several different measures in a quarter-car model is demonstrated here in comparison with a conventional passive suspension strut. A study of a full-car model is also undertaken where performance improvements are also shown in comparison to conventional passive suspension struts. A prototype inerter has been built and tested. Experimental results are presented which demonstrate a characteristic phase advance property which cannot be achieved with conventional passive struts consisting of springs and dampers only.     

Performance Benefits in Passive Vehicle Suspensions Employing Inerters

A new ideal mechanical one-port network element named the inerter was recently introduced, and shown to be realisable, with the property that the applied force is proportional to the relative acceleration across the element. This paper makes a comparative study of several simple passive suspension struts, each containing at most one damper and inerter as a preliminary investigation into the potential performance advantages of the element. Improved performance for several different measures in a quarter-car model is demonstrated here in comparison with a conventional passive suspension strut. A study of a full-car model is also undertaken where performance improvements are also shown in comparison to conventional passive suspension struts. A prototype inerter has been built and tested. Experimental results are presented which demonstrate a characteristic phase advance property which cannot be achieved with conventional passive struts consisting of springs and dampers only.     

Stability and performance analysis of a full-train system with inerters

This paper discusses the use of inerters to improve the stability and performance of a full-train system. First, we construct a 28 degree-of-freedom train model in AutoSim, and obtain a linearised model for analysis in Matlab. Then, the benefits of inerters are investigated by the critical speed, settling time and passenger comfort. In addition, we apply a new mechatronic network for further performance improvement, and synthesise the optimal electrical circuit for experimental verification. From the results, inerters are shown to be effective in improving the stability and performance of train 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.     

Performance investigation of vehicle suspension system with nonlinear ball-screw inerter

This paper investigates the influence of ball-screw inerter nonlinearities on the vibration isolation performance of the vehicle suspension system. That is achieved by building a nonlinear mechanics model of the ball-screw inerter with friction in ball-screw assembly and elastic effect of screw. The parameters of the nonlinear mechanics model are identified using recursive least squares algorithm based on test data. Then, the nonlinear ball-screw inerter is applied to vehicle suspension analysis of the half-car model with three passive suspension layouts. The performance of the vehicle suspension system with the nonlinear ball-screw inerter is compared with that with the linear inerter. It is demonstrated from the results that the vibration isolation performance of the vehicle suspension system is slightly influenced by considering the ball-screw inerter nonlinearities in general. The influence of the ball-screw inerter nonlinearities on every performance indicator for different suspension layouts is discussed finally.     

State of the art survey: active and semi-active suspension control

This survey paper aims to provide some insight into the design of suspension control system within the context of existing literature and share observations on current hardware implementation of active and semi-active suspension systems. It reviews the performance envelop of active, semi-active, and passive suspensions with a focus on linear quadratic-based optimisation including a specific example. The paper further discusses various design aspects including other design techniques, the decoupling of load and road disturbances, the decoupling of pitch and heave modes, the use of an inerter as an additional design element, and the application of preview. Various production and near production suspension systems were examined and described according to the features they offer, including self-levelling, variable damping, variable geometry, and anti-roll damping and stiffness. The lessons learned from these analytical insights and related hardware implementations are valuable and can be applied towards future active or semi-active suspension design.     

Analytical solutions for optimal ride comfort and tyre grip for passive vehicle suspensions

The paper derives analytical solutions for the global optimum of the ride comfort and tyre grip performance measures for a quarter-car vehicle model optimised both individually and in combination. The solutions are derived for six simple suspension networks comprising one or two springs, one damper and possibly one inerter. The solutions are functions of four vehicle parameters: the sprung mass, the unsprung mass, the tyre stiffness and the static stiffness, of the suspension.     

A comparative study on fault detection methods of rail vehicle suspension systems based on acceleration measurements

Reliability of the railway vehicle suspension system is of critical importance to the safety of the vehicle. On-line health condition monitoring for the suspension system of rail vehicles offers a number of benefits such as preventing further deterioration of vehicle performance, enhancing vehicle safety, increasing operational reliability and availability, and reducing maintenance costs. It is desirable to timely detect the fault and monitor the performance degradation of vehicle suspension systems. In this paper, a comparative study on fault detection methods of urban rail vehicle suspension systems is considered. A novel sensor configuration is proposed where the underlying vehicle system is equipped with only acceleration sensors in the four corners of the carbody, the leading and trailing bogie, respectively. A mathematical model is developed for the considered vehicle suspension system. Both model-based and data-driven approaches are studied for the suspension fault detection problem. The robust observer, the Kalman filter combined with the generalised likelihood ratio test method, the dynamical principle components analysis and the canonical variate analysis approaches are applied to the fault detection problem. The simulation is carried out by means of the professional multi-body simulation tool, SIMPACK. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of these methods are compared. The simulation results show that the data-driven methods outperform the model-based methods.     

橡胶元件在汽车悬架中的应用分析

介绍了橡胶元件在汽车悬架中的应用现状,分析了橡胶衬套力学特性的理论研究方法和试验技术,并对某汽车悬架橡胶衬套进行了有限元分析和试验验证。阐述了橡胶衬套对汽车平顺性、操纵稳定性及高频NVH特性的影响,并通过实例讨论了橡胶衬套对悬架运动学性能的作用和衬套刚度优化方法。指出,需进一步研究橡胶元件对汽车高频动态性能的影响。     

馈能式电动悬架的原理与试验研究

提出了一种新型的馈能式电动悬架,并对原理样机进行了试验研究.首先,对馈能式电动悬架的工作原理及结构方案进行描述;其次,根据某具体车型的后悬架系统参数,设计电机作动器样机并进行特性试验;最后,通过整车台架试验检验所设计的悬架系统在随动状态下的馈能特性和悬架特性.试验表明,低频大振幅工况时,随动状态下的电动悬架可在基本保证车辆性能的同时回馈部分电能.     

Interaction study of train–bridge–track systems using Maxwell model

The investigation of problems related to the interaction of train, bridge and track systems has been accelerated by the emergence of high-speed trains. Such studies are required, not only for the endurance issues regarding bridge and tracks, but to assure trains’ functionality and performance. The suspension mechanism of train systems is of prime importance in defining the functionality of high-speed trains, and accurate mathematical models of the mechanism are imperative. This paper introduces a numerical technique for an interaction study of train–bridge–track systems based on Maxwell (three-element type) modeling of the suspension mechanisms of vehicles. Track irregularity in sinusoidal form is also integrated into the mathematical model. Although the proposed technique is simple in formulation, it offers phenomenal accuracy in representing the interaction of train, track and bridge systems. In a numerical example, the dynamic behavior of a train–bridge system has been studied. Results of this analysis provide a valuable insight into the contributing roles of different parameters in this subject.     

沥青混合料细观结构离散元分析

为了在细观层次上分析沥青混合料的力学特性,本文用多边形单元模拟粗集料,球形单元粘结在一起模拟沥青玛蹄脂,在细观尺度上建立比较直观、清晰的离散元数值模型,采用3种接触模型描述沥青混合料内部的相互作用,并进行单轴压缩虚拟试验,分析沥青混合料的变形与应力情况。论文对虚拟试验结果进行分析,得出一些重要结论,并对本文的后继研究提出有意义的建议。     

Interaction study of train-bridge-track systems using Maxwell model

The investigation of problems related to the interaction of train, bridge and track systems has been accelerated by the emergence of high-speed trains. Such studies are required, not only for the endurance issues regarding bridge and tracks, but to assure trains' functionality and performance. The suspension mechanism of train systems is of prime importance in defining the functionality of high-speed trains, and accurate mathematical models of the mechanism are imperative. This paper introduces a numerical technique for an interaction study of train-bridge-track systems based on Maxwell (three-element type) modeling of the suspension mechanisms of vehicles. Track irregularity in sinusoidal form is also integrated into the mathematical model. Although the proposed technique is simple in formulation, it offers phenomenal accuracy in representing the interaction of train, track and bridge systems. In a numerical example, the dynamic behavior of a train-bridge system has been studied. Results of this analysis provide a valuable insight into the contributing roles of different parameters in this subject.     

扭转梁悬架碳纤维复合材料横梁结构优化

鉴于碳纤维增强复合材料(CFRP)轻质高强的特点,本文中将某乘用车扭转梁悬架原钢质横梁用碳纤维复合材料替代,并进行结构优化设计。首先,通过碳纤维增强复合材料层合板力学性能试验获得材料力学参数,建立悬架扭转梁有限元模型,并对扭转梁中的碳纤维复合材料横梁截面进行改进设计。在此基础上,综合考虑横梁质量、刚度和工艺约束,对CFRP横梁进行铺层厚度、角度和铺层顺序的多层次优化。优化后,在满足各项性能指标的情况下,碳纤维增强复合材料横梁比原钢质横梁轻量79.34%,取得显著的轻量化效果。     

Performance Limitations and Constraints for Active and Passive Suspensions: a Mechanical Multi-port Approach

This paper develops a framework using mechanical multi-port networks to study the performance capabilities and constraints in vehicle suspensions. We seek to understand the set of dynamic responses which are achievable for both passive and active systems. To this end, we view a suspension system as a mechanical multi-port network and draw on concepts from electrical circuits such as passivity and reciprocity. We identify necessary conditions on the external behaviour of a quarter-car model for the suspension to be capable of passive realisation, and thereby establish that several behaviours or force laws cannot be implemented without an internal power source. We study the number of available degrees of freedom (i.e., independently specifiable impedances) in the quarter-, half- and full-car cases.     

某重型卡车全浮式驾驶室悬置系统设计

结合整车对全浮式驾驶室悬置系统的总体要求,利用理论计算、动力学仿真、有限元分析等方法进行各种工况模拟以及悬置性能分析,确保悬置系统各方面满足设计要求。实际样车在不同路况、速度下验证了悬置系统隔振率、平顺性、可靠性满足设计要求。通过对设计过程的总结,形成了一套驾驶室悬置系统设计方法、明确了性能评价指标和相关试验要求。     

Performance Limitations and Constraints for Active and Passive Suspensions: a Mechanical Multi-port Approach

This paper develops a framework using mechanical multi-port networks to study the performance capabilities and constraints in vehicle suspensions. We seek to understand the set of dynamic responses which are achievable for both passive and active systems. To this end, we view a suspension system as a mechanical multi-port network and draw on concepts from electrical circuits such as passivity and reciprocity. We identify necessary conditions on the external behaviour of a quarter-car model for the suspension to be capable of passive realisation, and thereby establish that several behaviours or force laws cannot be implemented without an internal power source. We study the number of available degrees of freedom (i.e., independently specifiable impedances) in the quarter-, half- and full-car cases.     

Motorcycle suspension design using matrix inequalities and passivity constraints

This paper presents a design methodology for the suspension system of a novel aerodynamically efficient motorcycle. Since the machine’s layout and the rider’s seating position are unconventional, several aspects of the machine design, including the suspension, must be reviewed afresh. The design process is based on matrix inequalities that are used to optimise a road-grip objective function – others could be used equally well. The design problem is cast as the minimisation of an H ₂ cost with passivity constraints imposed on the suspension transference. The resulting bilinear matrix inequality problem is solved using a locally optimal iterative algorithm. The matrix inequality-type characterisation of positive real functions permits the optimisation of the suspension system over an entire class of passive admittances. Torsional springs, dampers and inerters are then used to construct networks corresponding to the optimal (positive real) admittances. Networks of first, second, third and fourth orders are considered, and an argument based on the compromise between complexity and improved grip is made for the most suitable suspension configuration. Finally, the effects of improved road grip on the stability of the vehicle’s lateral dynamics are analysed.