Non-linear State Space Formulation Simulating Single Station Ride Dynamics of Military Vehicle

Military vehicles are generally equipped with hydro-gas suspension systems that exhibit better shock-absorbing capability over drastic dynamic environments compared to linear suspension. In order to implement suspension semi-active/active control in the future, it is required to develop the mathematical model of the vehicle using non-linear state space approach by incorporating the hydro-gas suspension trailing arm dynamics in the governing equations of motion. The present study formulates the non-linear state space approach which simulates single station ride dynamics of military vehicles. Incorporating the developed trailing arm kinematics and non-linear suspension characteristics, non-linear state space approach has been used to formulate the sprung and unsprung mass governing equations of motion. The multi-body dynamics model for the single station is established in MSC.ADAMS in order to validate the non-linear state space model. The mathematical model is solved using MATLAB and compares well with the multi-body model simulations. The entire military vehicle non-linear state space model can also be developed which would be suitable for carrying out vehicle dynamics control studies with active or semi-active suspension systems.