SYNERGETIC SYNTHESIS OF SUSPENSION CHARACTERISTICS AND PNEUMATIC-AERODYNAMIC SYSTEMS OF A VEHICLE

Abstract

This paper addresses the complex scientific and applied problem of improving the ride smoothness, directional stability, and cross-country ability of vehicles through the development of a unified hybrid pneumatic-kinematic platform. Based on a systemic analysis of suspension methods and models, it is proven that classic linear systems have exhausted their adaptive potential, especially in the context of operating special and light-armored military vehicles under conditions of dynamic center-of-mass shifts and powerful impulse loads from technological equipment.

The article proposes and scientifically substantiates an advanced multilevel methodology (quasi-static, harmonic, impact, and stochastic profiles) for the experimental study of elastic elements. Detailed technical specifications of the testing equipment, including the specialized SS20 diagnostic stand and a precision electromechanical press, are provided. The physical and mathematical principles of springs with variable wire diameters, variable pitch, and combined dual-action systems (Dual-Spring) that provide progressive (polynomial or piecewise-linear) stiffness characteristics are investigated.

Numerical simulation using the developed "quarter-car" kinematic scheme confirms that the implementation of such nonlinear elements reduces the peak vibration accelerations of sprung masses by 15–20% at small disturbances, effectively preventing destructive suspension breakdowns under extreme loads. Furthermore, an innovative concept of external chassis adaptation using an aerocompensator (from the perspective of deformable soil terramechanics) is developed, and the feasibility of integrating a traction rotary pneumatic engine into the vehicle's overall energy contour with a function for recuperating the vibration energy of sprung masses is substantiated.