Title: Dynamic analyses of heavy vehicle with pitch-interconnected suspensions

Authors: D. Cao, S. Rakheja, C-Y. Su

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

Abstract: The properties of three different pitch-interconnected hydro-pneumatic suspensions are systematically explored. The vertical and pitch mode properties of the proposed suspensions are derived through formulation and analysis of a generalised pitch plane model. The results suggest that the pitch-connected suspensions offer superior flexibility for enhancing the pitch mode properties, without affecting the bounce mode properties. The dynamic characteristics of the proposed pitch-connected suspensions are further evaluated for a two-axle heavy vehicle under braking and road inputs. The results demonstrate that the proposed pitch-connected suspensions could offer significant benefits in improving both the handling and ride qualities of heavy vehicles.

Keywords: heavy vehicles; hydro-pneumatic suspension struts; fluidic coupling; pitch-interconnected suspension; pitch mode suspension properties; suspension design flexibility; asymmetric damping; ride properties; handling properties; braking; heavy vehicle dynamics; vehicle suspensions; ride quality; ride comfort.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2008.022246

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2008 Vol.15 No.2/3/4, pp.272 - 308

Published online: 24 Dec 2008 *

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