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Technical Paper

Investigations into Alternative Suspensions for Commercial Vehicles

1993-11-01
933048
The ride dynamics of articulated heavy trucks were studied to assess the benefits of applying electronically controlled suspension elements. Computer simulations were used to compare passive, two-state and continuous semi-active, and fully active suspensions. These results prompted further work to develop a prototype active suspension, operating according to a limited bandwidth strategy, which was tested on a full size, single-wheel-station vibration rig. With the active prototype, root mean square body vertical acceleration was 30% lower than with a production air suspension, during a test simulating travel over a very good road profile. RMS dynamic tyre forces, generated by the active prototype were similarly 20% lower. Mean power consumption during this test was 1.2kW. Further consideration of the limited bandwidth active suspension led to the invention of a substantially passive equivalent.
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