Commercial Vehicle Ride Comfort Optimization Based on Intelligent Algorithms and Nonlinear Damping

Abstract

The method chosen to conduct vehicle dynamic modeling has a significant impact on the evaluation and optimization of ride comfort. This paper summarizes the current modeling methods of ride comfort and their limitations. Then, models based on nonlinear damping and equivalent damping and the multibody dynamic model are developed and simulated in Matlab/Simulink and Adams/Car. The driver seat responses from these models are compared, showing that the accuracy of the ride comfort model based on nonlinear damping is higher than the one based on equivalent damping. To improve the reliability of ride comfort optimization and analysis, a ride comfort optimization method based on nonlinear damping and intelligent algorithms is proposed. The sum of the frequency-weighted RMS of the driver seat acceleration, the RMS of dynamic tyre load, and suspension working space is taken as the objective function in this article, using nonlinear damping coefficients and stiffness of suspension as design variables. By applying the particle swarm optimization (PSO), cuckoo search (CS), dividing rectangles (DIRECT), and genetic algorithm (GA), a set of optimal solutions are obtained. The method efficiency is verified through a comparison between frequency-weighted RMS before and after optimization. Results show that the frequency-weighted RMS of driver seat acceleration, RMS values of the suspension working space of the front and rear axles, and RMS values of the dynamic tyre load of front and rear wheels are decreased by an average of 27.4%, 21.6%, 25.0%, 19.3%, and 22.3%, respectively. The developed model is studied in a pilot commercial vehicle, and the results show that the optimization method proposed in this paper is more practical and features improvement over previous models.

Study of a Controlled Piezoelectric Damper

“…The schematic construction of the developed PZ damper is shown in Figure 1a. In the hydraulic cylinder (1) there is hydraulic oil, which is forced through between the chambers of the cylinder by a moving piston (2). The results obtained from experimental and numerical studies confirmed the possibility to use controlled dampers with a piezoelectric valve to damp vibrations of vehicles and machines.…”

“…The schematic construction of the developed PZ damper is shown in Figure 1a. In the hydraulic cylinder (1) there is hydraulic oil, which is forced through between the chambers of the cylinder by a moving piston (2). Chambers of the hydraulic cylinder are tightly separated (seal on the piston), and the fluid flows through a duct (3), and next through the gap in the piezoelectric valve (4).…”

“…The existing solutions in terms of vibro-isolation are still being perfected, as well as new ones being developed. In the case of vehicles, the topic of controlled dampers is essential mainly due to driving characteristics, safety and comfort of passengers [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Many car manufacturers have already introduced or are introducing new solutions for vehicle suspensions.…”

Semi-Active System of Vehicle Vibration Damping

“…For this purpose, different methods were developed where the control signal is determined on the basis of the measurement signals. In multi-body systems, Zero Residual Vibration-Derivative methods [22,23] are used to determine the control signal. Another solution to the problem is to use Hybrid Prediction Control [24,25].…”

Analysis of vehicle ride comfort applying a 2SPS+SR parallel seat mechanism

“…10 He et al proposed a ride comfort optimization method based on nonlinear damping of suspension and intelligent algorithms, which could decrease the root mean square (RMS) of dynamic tire load of front and rear wheels and thus improve the ride comfort of passenger cars. 11 Gedik et al investigated the effect of parabolic speed hump profiles on ride comfort and driving safety under variable vehicle speeds, which proved that vehicle speed and parabolic speed hump height were the most important parameters that affect ride comfort and driving safety. 12 The above research studies can provide a good reference for this article, but there are few research studies on the complex and harsh “off-road”, on which the construction vehicles often walk.…”