Title: Semi-active dampling in automotive systems: design-by-simulation

Authors: Willi Kortum, Michael Valasek, Zbynek Sika, Wolfgang Schwartz, Pavel Steinbauer, Ondrej Vaculin

Addresses: DLR Research Center Oberpfaffenhofen, Institute of Aeroelasticity, Vehicle System Dynamics Group, Postfach 1116, D-82230 Wessling, Germany. CTU Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Josel Bozek Research Centre of Internal Combustion Engines and Automotive Engineering, Karlovo nam. 13, 121 35 Praha 2, Czech Republic. CTU Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Josel Bozek Research Centre of Internal Combustion Engines and Automotive Engineering, Karlovo nam. 13, 121 35 Praha 2, Czech Republic. DLR Research Center Oberpfaffenhofen, Institute of Aeroelasticity, Vehicle System Dynamics Group, Postfach 1116, D-82230 Wessling, Germany. CTU Prague, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Josel Bozek Research Centre of Internal Combustion Engines and Automotive Engineering, Karlovo nam. 13, 121 35 Praha 2, Czech Republic. DLR Research Center Oberpfaffenhofen, Institute of Aeroelasticity, Vehicle System Dynamics Group, Postfach 1116, D-82230 Wessling, Germany

Abstract: The article describes the design and implementation of semi-active suspensions for trucks. The main objective of semi-active suspension design is decreasing road damage. The feedback laws for the semi-active dampers are designed by simulation and parameter optimisation. The performance predicted by the simulation experiments is verified for two real vehicles - a platform truck and tractor semi-trailer combination. The simulation experiments as well as the field measurements indicate the semi-active damping as a concept for producing more road friendly heavy-duty vehicles.

Keywords: semi-active suspension; semi-active damper; truck suspension road damage; road-friendly vehicle.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2002.001981

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2002 Vol.28 No.1/2/3, pp.103-120

Published online: 15 Aug 2003 *

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