Optimal design parameters of air suspension systems for semi-trailer truck. Part 2: Results and discussion

Abstract

Based on the results of model and algorithm in Part1 for searching the optimal design parameters of vehicle suspensions using genetic algorithm, in Part 2, the simulation results with MATLAB Simulink combined with an optimal program are written to search the optimal design parameters of vehicle air suspension systems in two optimal conditions. The optimal results indicate that the DLC values at all axles of vehicle respectively reduce by 9.09 %, 10.71 %, 11.11%, 10.81 %, 8.82 % (in Case 1) and 14.29 %, 19.23 %, 20.00 %, 17.14 %, 12.12 % (in Case 2) in comparison with the original air suspension systems when vehicle moves on the ISO class C road surface at ν = 20 m/s and full load. All these things indicate that using the genetic algorithm optimization method does not only reduce the tire dynamic loads acting on road surface but also improves the ride comfort. Finally, the optimum performance of vehicle suspension systems is considered and reassessed under different operating conditions. The evaluation results indicate that the optimum performance of the air suspension systems has better potential to improve the road friendliness which provides a ride comfort for road surfaces and vehicle.