Optimal Robust Design of Motorcycle Suspension Systems

This work is concerned with the optimization of motorcycle suspension features, taking into account that several different operating conditions can occur. In order to have the suspension simultaneously optimized to a range of these conditions, its parameters are treated as deterministc design variables (in the classical automatic optimization sense) subject to the engineer's influence. Excitation parameters, on the other hand, are considered to be random or “noise” factors, out of the engineer's control. Once the structural and operational parameters are grouped into these categories, they are arranged in the form of combinatorial orthogonal arrays, and robust design techniques are employed to reach designs that besides being optimal, are imune to operating conditions variability. The characteristic robustness metrics used in this work are the Signal-to-Noise ratio (S/N) and the design capability index (C_dk). They are individually analysed and then compared, in order to determine the most suitable configuration.