Characterization and potential analysis of passive and (semi-)active suspension systems by means of equivalent suspension parameters

Providing adequate ride comfort at premium class passenger cars is essential to meet the costumers’ expectations. A key feature of “good ride comfort” is the capability of the vehicle’s suspension system to isolate the vehicle body – and thus the passengers – from road imperfections and undulations, which otherwise cause unpleasant oscillations and accelerations. The respective low-frequency range, often referred to as primary ride, [1], is of main interest within this paper. Passive suspension systems have evolved to a high Ievel of maturity, and due to the particular subjective nature of the human perception of ride comfort, this achievement is largely based on the experience of generations of test engineers and their efforts on vehicle testing on proving grounds and/or public roads. No further substantial improvements are tobe expected for passive spring and damper, [2, 3].