The application of advanced modelling techniques to reduce prototyping time for a novel active suspension system

This paper describes the application of a range of simulation and design techniques to the development of a prototype active suspension system using a novel actuation technique within tight cost and time constraints. The suspension system is centred around a buckling leaf spring element with a very low effective spring rate. This is connected between the body and suspension using a variable geometry linkage giving variable mechanical leverage ratios. The force at the wheel is thus variable, by changing the linkage geometry, but is almost independent of the wheel to body displacement. The modelling and simulation techniques employed include: static modelling, nonlinear dynamic modelling, and control system and signal processing simulation