Improving Light Bus Handling and Stability by Anti-roll Bar and Bushing Adjustment

In order to improve the handling and stability of a light bus at high speed, a virtual model was established in Adams-Car and its anti-roll bar and bushing parameters were virtually optimized. The tyre mechanical characteristics were firstly tested by using a plate-type tyre tester and the Magic Formula parameters of the tyre were obtained. Then the virtual bus model's handling performance were studied by the simulation of central steering test and steady static circular test. An optimal matching method was put forward. By using genetic algorithm to conduct optimization, the optimised parameters were obtained. After that the anti-roll bar and bushing samples were respectively manufactured. At last, the comparative trials were performed in an automotive proving ground, and the subjective evaluation of the light bus's handling and stability was taken by three specialized assessors. The evaluation result showed that the score of subjective evaluation was 8.6, which was 31% higher than the original bus's. Therefore the handling and stability was improved by the adjustment of front and rear anti-roll bars and bushings and achieved the expected purpose.