Analysis of the energy dissipation characteristics of a nonlinear vehicle suspension system

Abstract

This paper focuses on the effect of nonlinearities on the energy dissipation capability of a vehicle suspension system. The effect of the nonlinear parameters of interest, on the energy dissipation characteristics of the suspension system, was investigated. The suspension system is modelled as a mass-spring-damper system, which is, firstly, designed using the output frequency response function (OFRF) method. The OFRF method facilitates the derivation of an explicit relationship between the system output spectrum and its nonlinear parameters of interest. Thereafter, the effects of the nonlinear parameters, on the energy dissipation level, by the suspension system, is investigated. The results reveal the significant effect of nonlinear damping, on the energy dissipation level of suspension systems, compared to the nonlinear stiffness.