Title: Numerical optimisation methods applied to the concurrent problem of vehicle ride and handling

Authors: Daniel Vilela; Roberto Spinola Barbosa

Addresses: Vehicle Synthesis, Analysis and Simulation Department, General Motors do Brasil Ltda., GMB VSAS, Av. Goiás, 2769, CT #1, Bairro Barcelona São Caetano do Sul, SP, CEP: 09550-051, Brazil ' Departamento de Engenharia Mecânica, Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes 2231, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-900, Brazil

Abstract: This text presents a new proposal for an overall ride and handling metric to be used to optimise vehicle performance through concurrent simulation models. The proposed metric has the intention to cover simultaneously the most relevant aspects of a passenger vehicle dynamic behaviour. The individual models for ride and handling have been validated against physical measurements in order to assure a reliable output. A numerical optimisation method is used to simultaneously evaluate the complete vehicle dynamic performance related to the single overall metric. The results show an effective way to improve the vehicle performance based on this new proposed metric, with gains in terms of reduction in development time and cost for new projects.

Keywords: vehicle ride; vehicle handling; vehicle dynamics; simulation; optimisation; modelling; vehicle performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2013.057526

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2013 Vol.8 No.4, pp.316 - 334

Received: 02 Aug 2012
Accepted: 18 Mar 2013

Published online: 19 Jul 2014 *

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