A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE RIDE QUALITY OF TRACV SUSPENSION ALTERNATIVES

A linear, unconstrained perturbation model for the Tracked Ram Air Cushion Vehicle is developed. This model is the result of theoretical expressions for the TRACV which have been verified by wind tunnel and towed model tests. This model is varied to allow for passively suspended, two-degree-of-freedom winglets and for processor-controlled actuators on the same winglets. Optimization of the springs and dampers in the passive suspension is performed according to a performance index based on acceleration, winglet gap variation, and control power. Linear optimal control is applied to the active suspension to determine the optimal feedback gains using a similar performance index. The basic, passively suspended, and actively suspended vehicles are analyzed to determine root mean squared values for following: 1) vertical acceleration in the foremost and rearmost seats in the passenger cabin, 2) gap variation at the front and rear winglet areas, and 3) control deflection. The acceleration spectral density of each of the vehicle types is compared to the Urban Tracked Ram Cushion Vehicle standard. The active control system is analyzed to see if a reduced set of sensors may achieve acceptable ride quality based on the above measures. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Air Force Institute of Technology

  School of Engineering, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
  Dayton, OH  United States  45433
• Authors:
  • Luhrs, R A
• Publication Date: 1977-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 125 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Active suspension systems; Aerodynamic stability; Air cushion vehicles; Equations of motion; Ground effect; Ground traffic; Mathematical models; Pitch (Dynamics); Public transit; Railroad transportation; Ride quality; Suspension system components; Suspension systems; Theses; Tracked air cushion vehicles
• Uncontrolled Terms: Heaving
• Old TRIS Terms: Ram wing vehicles; Vertical orientation
• Subject Areas: Public Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00169456
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: AFIT-CI-78-2 MS Thesis
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 14 1978 12:00AM