Title: Dynamic analyses of roll plane interconnected hydro-pneumatic suspension systems

Authors: Dongpu Cao, Subhash Rakheja, Chun-Yi Su

Addresses: CONCAVE Research Center, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada. ' CONCAVE Research Center, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada. ' CONCAVE Research Center, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada

Abstract: Concepts in roll-interconnected hydro-pneumatic suspensions with hydraulic and pneumatic couplings are developed and analysed for enhancement of anti-roll properties of heavy vehicles. The mathematical models of the roll-coupled suspensions are formulated considering the fluid properties and variable damping valves. The roll properties of fluidically connected suspensions are compared with those of unconnected suspensions with and without anti-roll bar, and dynamic responses of a heavy vehicle with different suspensions are investigated under excitations arising from road roughness and directional manoeuvres. The results indicate that both interconnected suspensions could considerably improve roll stiffness without affecting vertical ride, while hydraulic interconnections could further enhance the roll mode damping properties.

Keywords: anti-roll bar; asymmetric damping; design flexibility; hydraulic interconnection; pneumatic interconnection; hydro-pneumatic suspension; dynamic response; roll stability; roll stiffness; heavy vehicles; vehicle design; vehicle suspension; mathematical modelling; road roughness; directional manoeuvres.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2008.020880

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2008 Vol.47 No.1/2/3/4, pp.51 - 80

Published online: 22 Oct 2008 *

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