Improvement of vehicle ride comfort using genetic algorithm optimization and PI controller

In this paper a MATLAB SIMULINK model of seven Degrees Of Freedom (DOF) full vehicle model is developed. Mathematical equations are obtained using Newton's second law and free body diagram concept. Validation of the SIMULINK model is obtained to ensure that the model is suitable for studying the ride comfort. A Genetic algorithm optimization technique is used to find the optimum values of spring stiffness and damping coefficient for front and rear passive suspension system of the seven DOF vehicle model at variable velocities which improve the performance of the suspension system of the vehicle. Also Proportional Integral (PI) controller is implemented to the model to study its effect on ride comfort. Comparison of the results for body acceleration and sprung mass displacement of the optimized data of suspension parameters and model with PI controller are illustrated. The results show that the optimized parameters and PI controller give significant improvements of the vehicle ride performance over the passive suspension system.