Ride Comfort Analysis of an AWD Vehicle Travelling on Different Types of Pavements

The ride comfort study has become increasingly important in vehicle designs. This paper analyzes the ride comfort of an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle on different types of pavements. The modeling process of an AWD vehicle is presented at this work, as well as a brief discussion of the international standards on evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV). Numerical simulations of the vertical vehicle dynamics, considering ride quality, are performed in different types of pavements. Accuracy, efficiency and efficacy in all cases are compared to the limits set by international standards for whole-body vibration. Throughout this process, the performance of a light vehicle suspension system is validated within the established limits.