Suspension system optimisation to reduce whole body vibration exposure on an articulated dump truck
Date
2005-12
Authors
Kirstein, Johannes Cornelis
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
In this document the reduced order simulation and optimisation of the passive suspension
systems of a locally produced forty ton articulated dump truck is discussed. The
linearization of the suspension parameters were validated using two and three dimensional
MATLAB models. A 24 degree-of-freedom, three dimensional ADAMS/VIEW model
with linear parameters was developed and compared to measured data as well as with
simulation results from a more complex 50 degree-of-freedom non-linear ADAMS/CAR
model. The ADAMS/VIEW model correlated in some aspects better with the experimental
data than an existing higher order ADAMS/CAR model and was used in the suspension
system optimisation study. The road profile over which the vehicle was to prove its
comfort was generated, from a spatial PSD (Power Spectral Density), to be representative
of a typical haul road. The weighted RMS (Root Mean Squared) and VDV (Vibration Dose
Value) values are used in the objective function for the optimisation study. The
optimisation was performed by four different algorithms and an improvement of 30% in
ride comfort for the worst axis was achieved on the haul road. The improvement was
realised by softening the struts and tires and hardening the cab mounts. The results were
verified by simulating the optimised truck on different road surfaces and comparing the
relative improvements with the original truck’s performance.
Description
Thesis (MScEng (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Mechanical engineering, Theses -- Mechanical engineering, Trucks -- Vibration, Trucks -- Springs and suspension