Title: Computer active control of damping fluid of a racing superbike suspension scheme for road-safety improvement spin-off

Authors: R.M.A. Marretta, F. Marino, P. Bianchi

Addresses: Dipartimento di Tecnologie e Infrastrutture Aeronautiche, Universita degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Tecnologie e Infrastrutture Aeronautiche, Universita degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy. ' Centro Ricerche Cagiva, MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., Via Ovella 41, 47893, Republic of San Marino (RSM)

Abstract: Through tests on a full-scale model setup and the theoretical approach of a non linear 8th-order suspension scheme, this study gives enhancement of the damping fluid active control on the feedback branch of the entire control system for significant improvement of the suspension response to typical road inputs. The fluid flow in suspension dampers shall be conveniently controlled in direction and magnitude by a linear regulator system which is capable to start up – timely concatenated – a solenoid valves-set in order to realize the prescribed relationship between the damping load and the (proportional and time-dependent) variation of fluid flow.

Keywords: computer fluid dynamic control; active suspensions; road safety; fluid active control; damping fluids; racing superbikes; motorbike suspensions; motorcycles; feedback control; fluid flow; suspension dampers; linear regulator; damping load.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2008.020308

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2008 Vol.46 No.4, pp.436 - 455

Published online: 15 Sep 2008 *

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