Analysis of the Dynamic Behavior of a Vehicle Suspension when Passing over a Bump

Politechnica University Timisoara, Mechanics and Materials Strength Department, 300222 B-dul Mihai Viteazul, no.1, Timisoara, Romania

^* Corresponding author: liviu.bereteu@upt.ro

Abstract

Passing a vehicle over bumps generates sudden variations in acceleration with effects on passenger comfort. In this paper we aim to model the movement of a vehicle, considering only vertical movements, neglecting the movement of roll and pitch. Based on differential equations that govern dynamic behavior, a simulation model of motion is built in MATLAB, the Simulink® module. Suspensions of the vehicle will be considered as passive and semi-active. Passive and semi-active are still the most common suspensions, although active suspensions have been used lately, with mechanical parameters thatcharacterize suspensions, stiffness and dampers being controlled. The paper analyzes the responses given by the suspensions to the passage over bumps, and how they can be mitigated.