Automotive Performance Optimization

A multi-objective optimization procedure has been developed to optimize the vehicle longitudinal acceleration and steady-state fuel economy. A 5-speed manual-transmission vehicle is adopted for the prediction of the 0 - 60 mph acceleration time. A simplified fuel economy model is used to simulate the fuel consumption under steady vehicle speed. The optimization algorithm selected is the Modified Method of Feasible Directions due to its high reliability and efficiency. A notable feature of the optimization process adopted is that the algorithm can compromise between the competing performances while meeting the requirements for the ride and handling quality of the vehicle.