Elastokinematic Analysis and Optimization of Suspension Compliance Characteristics

Compliance elements such as bushings of a suspension system play a crucial role in determining the ride and handling characteristics of the vehicle. In this research, a general procedure for the optimum design of compliance elements to meet various design targets is proposed. Based on the assumption that the displacements of elastokinematic behavior of a suspension system under external forces are very small, linearized elastokinematic equations in terms of infinitesimal displacements and joint reaction forces are derived. Directly differentiating the linear elastokinematic equations with respect to design variables associated with bushing stiffness, sensitivity equations are obtained. The design process for determining the bushing stiffness using sensitivity analysis and optimization technique is demonstrated.