Validation of a Nonlinear Two-dimensional MacPherson Suspension System Model with Multibody Simulations

This paper studies the possibility to use a simplified MacPherson suspension system model for tuning active suspension system controllers. With a nonlinear suspension model, more accurate responses can be obtained compared to a traditional linear quarter-car suspension system model. The presented nonlinear two-dimensional mathematical model for the MacPherson suspension system is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and validated by comparing it to an Adams/View multibody model with three simulation cases, one for kinematic analysis and two for dynamic analysis. The results are expressed as normalized RMS deviation values between the outputs of the two models. Most outputs of the two models go hand in hand, and the greatest difference is in the camber angle values derived from simplified linearization in the mathematical model.