A Comparative Analysis of Linear and Nonlinear Semi-Active Suspension System

The ride quality including comfort and safety is the primary factor that is targeted in the design of an effective suspension system. The parametric behavior of suspension system is non-linear but for simplicity most of the researchers have assumed it as linear. The emphasis of this study is to analyze the non-linear behavior of basic components of the suspension system. Anon-linear mathematical model for semi-active suspension system equipped with MR (Magnetorheological) damper is developed based on a two degrees of freedom quarter vehicle model. Matlab/Simulink is used for simulation of the proposed model for different types of road disturbances. Transient response characteristics of the proposed non-linear model is compared with linear semi-active suspension model which show the difference between the responses of these models.