Technical Measurements and Computational Analyses of Vibration for the Optimization of Truck-Cab Suspensions

Vibrational-damping characteristics of truck-cab suspensions must be compromised with other demands such as cab stability, positive transfer of control commands, low stress-loading of cabs, and economy of design. The paper reviews experimental and computational studies of influences on vibrational characteristics of truck-cab suspensions

Results show that the vertical accelerations of cab floor and driver are dependent on the roadway, vehicle configuration, and seat design, and that they directly effect driving comfort. Statistically evaluated measurements of reproducibility emphasize the need for constant boundary conditions when assessing vibrational comfort. Experimental and computational results indicate that approximately linear response of truck damping can be assumed on good roadways. Analogue computer results of truck-cab suspensions are evaluated on the basis of the above linearity assumption and discussed. An optimal compromise of various demands is selected and discussed in terms of the damping system of the seat.