An optimization method designed to improve 3-D vehicle comfort and road holding capability through the use of active and semi-active suspensions

The primary purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of vibrations on the comfort and road holding capability of road vehicles as observed in the variation of different parameters such as suspension coefficients, road disturbances, and the seat position. This study required the development of a mathematical model to simulate the dynamic behavior of a 3-D vehicle. With this model, various types of non-linear suspensions such as active and semi-active suspensions may be investigated. The results obtained from the simulation of the 3-D vehicle demonstrate that the use of active and semi-active suspension models on road vehicles prove to be beneficial for comfort without unduly compromising road holding capability.