A Report on Improving the Ride and Handling Performance in the Roll and Pitch Modes of an Utility Vehicle

The paper presents the methodology along with the modeling and simulations done to improve the ride and handling performance in the roll and pitch modes of a Utility Vehicle using computer simulations. The objectives of this project is to redesign the suspension system that provides for improvement in the ride and handling performance without compromising on any other vehicle performance.

The study chose certain vehicle parameters as design variables. Subsequently the model is first tested for Kinematics/Compliance and later subjected to full vehicle dynamic analysis in different maneuvers to evaluate its handling, cornering, rollover and steering performance thereby assessing the kinematic aspects of the suspension along with its dynamic characteristic. Finally through a series of computer experiments, certain vehicle parameters along with their magnitudes are determined which ensure improvement in the ride and handling performance. As an add-on, the study also succeeded in increasing the Static Stability Factor for the same vehicle.