Air suspension systems are increasingly in demand in high-end cars due to their
ability to vary ride height based on vehicle loads, road conditions, and speeds.
This trend has driven manufacturers to enhance the performance of these systems.
Predicting and optimizing the performance of the air spring system for various
vehicle loads and conditions has become essential. The performance of an air
suspension system is typically measured by its ability to suspend the vehicle
within a specified target time. Therefore, it is necessary to model the air
spring system—including the air spring, compressor, pneumatic lines, and
valves—and integrate it with the vehicle. This modeling helps in predicting
performance and optimizing the system. Additionally, a validated system model
enables other important calculations, such as sizing the valves, pneumatic
hoses, and compressors.
In this study, a complete air spring system model has been developed alongside a
15-degrees-of-freedom car chassis to achieve the highest possible accuracy
regarding leveling times while maintaining reasonable simulation times. The air
spring components were validated with actual measurements, and the system was
subsequently validated using an experimental setup. The system’s performance was
simulated and then compared with actual vehicle measurements, resulting in
simulation outcomes that were comparable to the measurements.