Geometry optimization of a planar double wishbone suspension based on whole-range nonlinear dynamic model

Abstract

Dynamic analysis is an essential task in the geometry design of suspension systems. Whereas the dynamic simulation based on numerical software like Adams is quite slowly and the existing analytical models of the nonlinear suspension geometry are mostly based on small displacement hypothesis, this paper aims to propose a whole-range dynamic model with high computational efficiency for planar double wishbone suspensions and further achieve the fast optimal design of suspension geometry. Selection of the new generalized coordinate and explicit solutions of the basic four-bar mechanism dramatically reduce the complexity of suspension geometry representation and provide analytical solutions for all of the time varying dimensions. By this means, the running speed and computational accuracy of the new model are guaranteed simultaneously. Furthermore, an original Matlab/Simulink implementation is given to maintain the geometric nonlinearity in the solving process of dynamic differential equations. After verifying its accuracy with an ADAMS prototype, the presented whole-range model is used in the vast-parameter optimization of suspension geometry. Since both kinematic and dynamic performances are evaluated in the objective function, the optimization is qualified to give a comprehensive suggestion to the design of suspension geometry.

An Efficient Formulation for Studying the Dynamics of Double-wishbone Suspension of Generic Geometry with Jounce and Steering Inputs

“…Recently, Prastiyo and Fiebig [10] simulated a rally car's (planar) DWB suspension to compare the linear vs. progressive rate suspension systems. Niu et al [11] obtained the speed of numerical MBD simulations using proprietary software was insufficient, hence, proposed an analytical model for the planar version of the suspension. They demonstrated the simulation in Matlab/Simulink, and found a satisfactory match with results obtained from ADAMS.…”