Heavy truck suspension optimization based on modified skyhook damping control

This paper presents a multi-objective optimization strategy for heavy truck suspension systems based on modified skyhook damping (MSD) control, which improves ride comfort and road-friendliness simultaneously. A four-axle heavy truck-road coupling system model was established using functional virtual prototype technology; the model was then validated through a ride comfort test. As the mechanical properties and time lag of dampers were taken into account, MSD control of active and semi-active dampers was implemented using Matlab/Simulink. Through co-simulations with Adams and Matlab, the effects of passive, semi-active MSD control, and active MSD control were analyzed and compared; thus, control parameters which afforded the best integrated performance were chosen. Simulation results indicated that MSD control improves a truck’s ride comfort and roadfriendliness, while the semi-active MSD control damper obtains road-friendliness comparable to the active MSD control damper.

A study on matching and multi-objective fuzzy control strategy of heavy truck suspension system

Matching method of heavy truck-rear air suspensions is discussed, and a fuzzy control strategy which improves both ride comfort and road friendliness of truck by adjusting damping coefficients of the suspension system is found. In the first place, a Dongfeng EQ1141G7DJ heavy truck’s ten DOF whole vehicle-road model was set up based on Matlab/Simulink and vehicle dynamics. Then appropriate passive air suspensions were chosen to replace the original rear leaf springs of the truck according to truck-suspension matching criterions, consequently, the stiffness of front leaf springs were adjusted too. Then the semi-active fuzzy controllers were designed for further enhancement of the truck’s ride comfort and the road friendliness. After the application of semi-active fuzzy control strategy through simulation, is was indicated that both ride comfort and road friendliness could be enhanced effectively under various road conditions. The strategy proposed may provide theory basis for design and development of truck suspension system in China.

Comparison of two suspension control strategies for multi-axle heavy truck

Two simple and effective control strategies for a multi-axle heavy truck, modified skyhook damping (MSD) control and proportional-integration-derivative (PID) control, were implemented into functional virtual prototype (FVP) model and compared in terms of road friendliness and ride comfort. A four-axle heavy truck-road coupling system model was established using FVP technology and validated through a ride comfort test. Then appropriate passive air suspensions were chosen to replace the rear tandem suspensions of the original truck model for preliminary optimization. The mechanical properties and time lag of dampers were taken into account in simulations of MSD and PID semi-active dampers implemented using MATLAB/Simulink. Through co-simulations with Adams and MATLAB, the effects of semi-active MSD and PID control were analyzed and compared, and control parameters which afforded the best comprehensive performance for each control strategy were chosen. Simulation results indicate that compared with the passive air suspension truck, semi-active MSD control improves both ride comfort and road-friendliness markedly, with optimization ratios of RMS vertical acceleration and RMS tyre force ranging from 10.1% to 44.8%. However, semi-active PID control only reduces vertical vibration of the driver’s seat by 11.1%, 11.1% and 10.9% on A, B and C level roads respectively. Both strategies are robust to the variation of road level.

Heavy truck pilot crash test rollover.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

A 1990 Ford Taurus into heavy truck rigid rear underride guard in support of CRASH3 damage algorithm reformulation. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Reducing heavy truck aggressiveness moving heavy truck into a 1993 Honda Civic 3-door hatchback at 80.1 KPH. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Incremental cost, weight and leadtime impacts of requiring heavy truck tractor/trailer ABS. Final report.

Mode of access: Internet.

A 1993 Honda Civic DX into heavy truck rigid rear underride guard in support of CRASH3 damage algorithm reformulation. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Heavy truck safety study. Prepared in response to Section 216 of the Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1984. Final report.

Mode of access: Internet.

Heavy truck pilot crash test - frontal impact.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Heavy truck data in Virginia: collection, uses, and needs. Final report.

Virginia Department of Transportation, Richmond

Motor vehicle safety seminar. Key issues in heavy truck safety. [Transcript of proceedings.].

Mode of access: Internet.

Reducing heavy truck aggressiveness moving heavy truck into a 1987 Ford Taurus 4-door sedan at 75.0 KPH. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Reducing heavy truck aggressiveness moving heavy truck into a 1993 Honda Civic 3-door hatchback at 80.4 KPH. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Reducing heavy truck aggressiveness moving heavy truck into a 1988 Ford Taurus 4-door sedan at 80.5 KPH. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.