Truck Suspension System Optimization

This paper describes a test program and computer simulation aimed at optimizing the riding qualities of a Military tractor semitrailer combination, the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET). Instrumented testing at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground was conducted with a variety of suspension configurations. The test data were recorded on magnetic tape and converted into digital data for computer processing. The test results were correlated with computer simulation. The computer model was then used to perform a sensitivity analysis of various suspension parameters. With rms acceleration at the vehicle frame used as a criterion for optimization, an improved suspension configuration was defined. The techniques for test data analysis and computer simulation are described and preliminary results are presented.