Modelling and simulation of a semi-active suspension system

Reference:

Gao, B., Darling, J. and Tilley, D., 2006. Modelling and simulation of a semi-active suspension system. In: 18th Int. Conf. on Systems Engineering, ICSE '2006', 2006-01-01, Coventry University.

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Abstract

The inherent conflict between ride and handling in a conventional passive suspension system is extremely difficult to solve. Therefore, a considerable amount of work has been carried out over the last thirty years in this area. Through the marriage of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic components, a wide range of controllable suspension systems have been developed varying in cost, sophistication and effectiveness. Among these systems semi-active suspensions are receiving considerable attention because of their low cost and competitive performance compared with their active alternatives. Based on an existing passive hydro-pneumatic suspension unit, a semi-active suspension was designed and investigated through computer simulation. A nonlinear suspension model was built and investigated through quarter car analysis. Two modified skyhook controllers, a two-stage damping controller and a continuously adjustable damping controller were designed and a comparison study was carried out. This study demonstrated that semi-active suspensions could effectively improve vehicle ride and handling with competitive cost. Better performance can be achieved with a continuously adjustable damper compared with its two-stage alternative. Practical issues such as signal processing and valve dynamics were considered in this study. Though increased valve dynamics could improve system performance the trade-off between cost and performance would require a compromise to be made in a practical application.

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