Optimization of suspension system of off-road vehicle for vehicle performance improvement

M. Mahmoodi-Kaleibar¹, I. Javanshir², K. Asadi², A. Afkar³, A. Paykani¹

(1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran
2. School of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
3. School of Automotive Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran)

Abstract:Vehicle suspension design includes a number of compromises to provide good leveling of stability and ride comfort. Optimization of off-road vehicle suspension system is one of the most effective methods, which could considerably enhance the vehicle stability and controllability. In this work, a comprehensive optimization of an off-read vehicle suspension system model was carried out using software ADAMS. The geometric parameters of suspension system were optimized using genetic algorithm (GA) in a way that ride comfort, handling and stability of vehicle were improved. The results of optimized suspension system and variations of geometric parameters due to road roughness and different steering angles were presented in ADAMS and the results of optimized and conventional suspension systems during various driving maneuvers were compared. The simulation results indicate that the camber angle variations decrease by the optimized suspension system, resulting in improved handling and ride comfort characteristics.

Key words:optimized suspension system; stability; ride comfort; vehicle; double wishbone suspension system model