Current paper shows that by using piezoelectric copolymers such as PVDF film as spring deflection sensors, a reliable and simple method for sensing ground roughness in real time is established. As the authors have shown in the computer simulation, this measurement coupled with a rough estimate of the vehicle's heave, pitch and roll, and a simple control algorithm, can yield significant improvements in ride comfort, while providing tight handling at high speed on smooth surfaces. The effects of adaptive damping on vehicle controllability should be studied and the results incorporated into the control algorithm. An experimental study of the feasibility of sensing spring deflections with PVDF sensors should be conducted in order to validate the analysis put forward in the paper presented. This is of praticular importance for flat springs which often do not follow the theoretical model in which perfect bonding between the leaves is assumed. In reality the leaves are often not bonded to each other, and gaps and other irregularities are present. In such a study an automotive suspension spring should be equipped with PVDF and strain-gauge sensors and loaded both dynamically and statically over a wide range of loads and frequencies present in the normal operational regime of the spring in question. The deflection history of the spring should be recorded and compared with appropriately processed sensor output. Correctional constants relating theory to experiment should be computed and used to adjust the sensor output to accurately estimate the spring's deflection. Such experiments are currently planned by the authors.
Adaptive suspension of vehicles using piezoelectric sensors
Adaptive Fahrzeugaufhängung mit piezoelektrischen Sensoren
Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures ; 6 , 6 ; 744-756
1995
13 Seiten, 17 Bilder, 4 Tabellen, 11 Quellen
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
Piezoelectric sensors for adaptive suspensions
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