Optimum Nonlinear Suspension Systems

Global optimal isolation is presented in this paper. Results indicate that to optimally isolate a system, it should be totally disconnected from the disturbance. A model is then selected to optimize nonlinear suspension systems which, in the limits, approach optimal isolation characteristics. Nondimensional design parameters that themselves are made to be dependent on the input are employed. A step disturbance is selected to equivalently represent real excitations. The objective function incorporates the tire-terrain normal force as an indicator of the vehicle controllability which is unconstrained or constrained by a comfort criterion (acceleration). The advantages of optimized realistically nonlinear systems over their linear counterparts are indicated.