Links between subjective and objective evaluations regarding the steering character of automobiles

This work presents an experiment on the relationships between subjective and objective evaluations of vehicle handling. Ten cars were examined objectively in several open-loop driving dynamics manoeuvres and subjectively by test persons in typical traffic situations. Results are extracted from a stationary test (the Slowly Increasing Steer Test), and a dynamical test (the Frequency Response Test). The subjective measurements are obtained from drivers on a rural road course via a questionnaire, which was developed to separately investigate the quantity level perception, the so-called “Niveau”, and the more qualitative “Liking”. These subjective “measurements” are embedded into a two-channel definition of “Steering Comfort” as a genus for “Steering Discomfort” and “Character”. The article concentrates on developing a statistical method for the consideration of correlations amongst the subjective/objective data. In doing so, the variance in example subjective Niveau ratings can be significantly explained by several objective quantities. Indicators for co-domains of validated discomfort characteristics and hints for endeavouring character Liking ranges are detected.     

Interior sound field refinement of a passenger car using modified panel acoustic contribution analysis

Panel acoustic contribution analysis (PACA) is a practical engineering tool for the reduction of interior structure-borne noise in passenger cars. In this study, the current PACA method has been improved for sound field refinement of the entire interior. Two new parameters, the “acoustic contribution sum” and the “total sound field contribution”, are introduced to analyze the interior sound field characterized with multiple field points and sound pressure peaks, and to evaluate the integrated acoustic contributions of auto body panels. In addition, a systematic methodology for automotive interior sound field refinement is also proposed on the basis of the modified PACA method. An example of a passenger car model demonstrates the application of the sound-field-refinement methodology and shows the advantage of using damping layers at optimum locations on the auto body. The example also shows that the modified PACA method has practical significance for refining the interior sound field and decreasing added mass in accord with the trend towards lightweight auto bodies.     

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.     

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.     

Roll- and pitch-plane coupled hydro-pneumatic suspension

Passive fluidically coupled suspensions have been considered to offer a promising alternative solution to the challenging design of a vehicle suspension system. A theoretical foundation, however, has not been established for fluidically coupled suspension to facilitate its broad applications to various vehicles. The first part of this study investigates the fundamental issues related to feasibility and properties of the passive, full-vehicle interconnected, hydro-pneumatic suspension configurations using both analytical and simulation techniques. Layouts of various interconnected suspension configurations are illustrated based on two novel hydro-pneumatic suspension strut designs, both of which provide a compact design with a considerably large effective working area. A simplified measure, vehicle property index, is proposed to permit a preliminary evaluation of different interconnected suspension configurations using qualitative scaling of the bounce-, roll-, pitch- and warp-mode stiffness properties. Analytical formulations for the properties of unconnected and three selected X-coupled suspension configurations are derived, and simulation results are obtained to illustrate their relative stiffness and damping properties in the bounce, roll, pitch and warp modes. The superior design flexibility feature of the interconnected hydro-pneumatic suspension is also discussed through sensitivity analysis of a design parameter, namely the annular piston area of the strut. The results demonstrate that a full-vehicle interconnected hydro-pneumatic suspension could provide enhanced roll- and pitch-mode stiffness and damping, while retaining the soft bounce- and warp-mode properties. Such an interconnected suspension thus offers considerable potential in realising enhanced decoupling among the different suspension modes.     

Analysis and optimization of air suspension system with independent height and stiffness tuning

Suspensions play a crucial role in vehicle comfort and handling. Different types of suspensions have been proposed to address essential comfort and handling requirements of vehicles. The conventional air suspension systems use a single flexible rubber airbag to transfer the chassis load to the wheels. In this type of air suspensions, the chassis height can be controlled by further inflating the airbag; however, the suspension stiffness is not controllable, and it depends on the airbag volume and chassis load. A recent development in a new air suspension includes two air chambers (rubber airbags), allowing independent ride height and stiffness tuning. In this air suspension system, stiffness and ride height of the vehicle can be simultaneously altered for different driving conditions by controlling the air pressure in the two air chambers. This allows the vehicle’s natural frequency and height to be adjusted according to the load and road conditions. This article discusses optimization of an air suspension design with ride height and stiffness tuning. An analytical formulation is developed to yield the optimum design of the new air suspension system. Experimental results verify the mathematical modeling and show the advantages of the new air suspension system.     

Deflection test and transmission error measurement to identify hypoid gear whine noise

T-Hypoid gears are commonly used in rear-drive and 4WD (4 Wheel Drive) vehicle axles. Investigating their sensitivity to deflections is one of the most important aspects of their design and optimization procedures. Therefore, a deflection test was performed in this study in the actual gear mounting using completely processed gear. This test covered the full operating range of gear loads from “no load” to “peak load”. Under peak load, the contact pattern extended to the tooth boundaries without showing a concentration of the contact pattern at any point on the tooth surface. The transmission error was tested under an axle assembly triaxial-real-car-load condition.     

Modelling generalisation and power dissipation of flexible-wheel suspension concept for planetary surface vehicles

Flexible-wheel (FW) suspension concept has been regarded to be one of the novel technologies for future planetary surface vehicles (PSVs). This study develops generalised models for fundamental stiffness and damping properties and power consumption characteristics of the FW suspension with and without considering wheel-hub dimensions. Compliance rolling resistance (CRR) coefficient is also defined and derived for the FW suspension. Based on the generalised models and two dimensionless measures, suspension properties are analysed for two FW suspension configurations. The sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the effects of the design parameters and operating conditions on the CRR and power consumption characteristic of the FW suspension. The modelling generalisation permits analyses of fundamental properties and power consumption characteristics of different FW suspension designs in a uniform and very convenient manner, which would serve as a theoretical foundation for the design of FW suspensions for future PSVs.     

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.     

Heavy vehicle pitch dynamics and suspension tuning. Part I: unconnected suspension

The influence of suspension tuning of passenger cars on bounce and pitch ride performance has been explored in a number of studies, while only minimal efforts have been made for establishing similar rules for heavy vehicles. This study aims to explore pitch dynamics and suspension tunings of a two-axle heavy vehicle with unconnected suspension, which could also provide valuable information for heavy vehicles with coupled suspensions. Based on a generalised pitch-plane model of a two-axle heavy vehicle integrating either unconnected or coupled suspension, three dimensionless measures of suspension properties are defined and analysed—namely the pitch margin (PM), pitch stiffness ratio (PSR), and coupled pitch stiffness ratio (CPSR)—for different unconnected suspension tunings and load conditions. Dynamic responses of the vehicle with three different load conditions and five different tunings of the unconnected suspension are obtained under excitations arising from three different random road roughness conditions and a wide range of driving speeds, and braking manoeuvres. The responses are evaluated in terms of performance measures related to vertical and pitch ride, dynamic tyre load, suspension travel, and pitch-attitude control characteristics of the vehicle. Fundamental relationships between the vehicle responses and the proposed suspension measures (PM, PSR, and CPSR) are established, based on which some basic suspension tuning rules for heavy vehicles with unconnected suspensions are also proposed.     

后桥参数对螺旋弹簧非独立悬架侧倾刚度影响研究

螺旋弹簧非独立悬架是一种复合式悬架,装有该类后悬架的轿车,其后桥的结构形式对后悬架的刚度特性有重要影响。通过对螺旋弹簧非独立悬架刚度分析,推导了该类悬架的后桥各主要参数与侧倾角刚度的理论表达式。基于桑塔纳车的相关数据,分析了各参数的改变对悬架侧倾角刚度的影响,为该类悬架的进一步改进设计提供了理论依据。     

Electronically Controllable Vehicle Suspensions

SUMMARY

The basic functions which suspensions must perform are described and categories of controllable suspensions based on the required amount of control power are defined. The kinds of devices which can be used in controllable suspensions are discussed as well as several basic control philosophies. Finally, fundamental theoretical and practical limitations in suspension performance are indicated.     

Roll and pitch independently tuned interconnected suspension: modelling and dynamic analysis

In this paper, a roll and pitch independently tuned hydraulically interconnected passive suspension is presented. Due to decoupling of vibration modes and the improved lateral and longitudinal stability, the stiffness of individual suspension spring can be reduced for improving ride comfort and road grip. A generalised 14 degree-of-freedom nonlinear vehicle model with anti-roll bars is established to investigate the vehicle ride and handling dynamic responses. The nonlinear fluidic model of the hydraulically interconnected suspension is developed and integrated with the full vehicle model to investigate the anti-roll and anti-pitch characteristics. Time domain analysis of the vehicle model with the proposed suspension is conducted under different road excitations and steering/braking manoeuvres. The dynamic responses are compared with conventional suspensions to demonstrate the potential of enhanced ride and handling performance. The results illustrate the model-decoupling property of the hydraulically interconnected system. The anti-roll and anti-pitch performance could be tuned independently by the interconnected systems. With the improved anti-roll and anti-pitch characteristics, the bounce stiffness and ride damping can be optimised for better ride comfort and tyre grip.     

Assessment of the influence of the elastic properties of rail vehicle suspensions on safety,ride quality and track fatigue

A sensitivity analysis has been performed to assess the influence of the elastic properties of railway vehicle suspensions on the vehicle dynamic behaviour. To do this, 144 dynamic simulations were performed modifying, one at a time, the stiffness and damping coefficients, of the primary and secondary suspensions. Three values were assigned to each parameter, corresponding to the percentiles 10, 50 and 90 of a data set stored in a database of railway vehicles. After processing the results of these simulations, the analysed parameters were sorted by increasing influence. It was also found which of these parameters could be estimated with a lesser degree of accuracy in future simulations without appreciably affecting the simulation results. In general terms, it was concluded that the highest influences were found for the longitudinal stiffness and the lateral stiffness of the primary suspension, and the lowest influences for the vertical stiffness and the vertical damping of the primary suspension, with the parameters of the secondary suspension showing intermediate influences between them.     

Design of passive vehicle suspensions for maximal least damping ratio

This paper studies the use of the least damping ratio among system poles as a performance metric in passive vehicle suspensions. Methods are developed which allow optimal solutions to be computed in terms of non-dimensional quantities in a quarter-car vehicle model. Solutions are provided in graphical form for convenient use across vehicle types. Three suspension arrangements are studied: the standard suspension involving a parallel spring and damper and two further suspension arrangements involving an inerter. The key parameters for the optimal solutions are the ratios of unsprung mass to sprung mass and suspension static stiffness to tyre vertical stiffness. A discussion is provided of performance trends in terms of the key parameters. A comparison is made with the optimisation of ride comfort and tyre grip metrics for various vehicle types.     

Observer Design for Electronic Suspension Applications*

SUMMARY

This paper proposes a new methodology for designing observers for automotive suspensions. Automotive suspensions are disturbance-affected dynamic systems. Semi-active suspensions are bilinear while active suspensions with hydraulic actuators are nonlinear. The proposed methodology guarantees exponentially convergent state estimation for both these systems. It uses easily accessible and inexpensive measurements. The fact that sprung mass absolute velocity of the suspension cannot be estimated in an exponentially stable manner with such measurements is also demonstrated.

Controllers using estimated states are implemented experimentally on the Berkeley Active Suspension Test Rig. Experimental results for two cases are presented : use of observer states to improve ride quality in an active suspension and use of observer states to reduce dynamic tire loading in a semi-active heavy vehicle suspension.     

Theoretical Limitations in Active Vehicle Suspensions

SUMMARY

Vehicle suspensions in which forces are generated in response to feedback signals by active elements obviously offer increased design flexibility compared to conventional suspensions using passive elements such as springs and dampers. It is often assumed that if practical difficulties are neglected, active systems could in principle produce arbitrary ideal, behavior. It is shown, using a simple linear two degree-of-freedom suspension system, model that even using complete state feed back and in the case of in which the system is controllable in the control theory sense, there still are limitations to suspension performance in the fully active case. If the ideal suspension performance is defined based on low-pass filtering of roadway unevenness inputs, an active suspension may not offer much better performance than a partially active or adaptive passive suspension depending upon the values of certain vehicle parameters.     

Finite element modeling of static tire enveloping characteristics

To investigate static tire enveloping characteristics, a three dimensional (3-D) finite element model is proposed. The vertical stiffness of the tire is studied on a flat surface with and without cleat. Tire rubber materials and cord layers are represented independently using “rebar” elements available in MSC Marc Mentat. Comparisons of numerical and experimental results are given to show the validity of the proposed model. It is shown that after a certain displacement, the results of the proposed model agree well with experimental results. In addition, the model results show that regardless of the type of the cleat placed under the rim center (hub center), all vertical force curves intersect after a certain displacement, which indicates typical static enveloping characteristics. Moreover, another typical characteristic of the radial tires that is unlike those of bias-ply constructions confirms that the contact patch does not expand laterally after a level vertical load is applied to the tire, which is directly related to fuel consumption and tire tread life.     

Electronically Controllable Vehicle Suspensions

The basic functions which suspensions must perform are described and categories of controllable suspensions based on the required amount of control power are defined. The kinds of devices which can be used in controllable suspensions are discussed as well as several basic control philosophies. Finally, fundamental theoretical and practical limitations in suspension performance are indicated.     

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.