Design optimization of vehicle suspensions with a quarter-vehicle model

This paper presents a comparative study of three optimization algorithms, namely Genetic Algorithms (GAs), Pattern Search Algorithm (PSA) and Sequential Quadratic Program (SQP), for the design optimization of vehicle suspensions based on a quarter-vehicle model. In the optimization, the three design criteria are vertical vehicle body acceleration, suspension working space, and dynamic tire load. To implement the design optimization, five parameters (sprung mass, un-sprung mass, suspension spring stiffness, suspension damping coefficient and tire stiffness) are selected as the design variables. The comparative study shows that the global search algorithm (GA) and the direct search algorithm (PSA) are more reliable than the gradient based local search algorithm (SQP). The numerical simulation results indicate that the design criteria are significantly improved through optimizing the selected design variables. The effect of vehicle speed and road irregularity on design variables for improving vehicle ride quality has been investigated. A potential design optimization approach to the vehicle speed and road irregularity dependent suspension design problem is recommended.