Vehicle Ride Comfort Analysis and Optimization Using Design of Experiment

In this paper the fundamental of the component mode synthesis was reviewed. In order to optimize the ride comfort of the vehicle, a rigid-flexible coupling model of a car was established by using multibody system dynamics method and component mode synthesis technology. The flexibility of the car body, twist beam of the rear suspension, and stabilizer rod was considered. The ride comfort of the vehicle was calculated at different vehicle speeds with an interval of 10 km/h from 40 to 150 km/h. The ride comfort was optimized by using the design of experiment method. The optimal combination of suspension stiffness and damping parameters was determined, and the overall weighted acceleration RMS of the seat vibration was reduced by 16.96% at the upper surface of the driver seat on vehicle speed at 70 km/h. The ride comfort was obviously improved. Further simulation analysis shows that the ride comfort is effective improved at the other higher speed when applies optimal suspension parameter obtained.