| Abstract: | Operators of off-road vehicles such as construction, forestry, agricultural vehicles and mining vehicles are exposed to excessively high levels of vertical and lateral vibrations which can pose health risks to the drivers. Ride improvement through seat suspensions has been successful in the vertical mode, however, seat suspensions have been virtually ineffective in the lateral mode. Computer simulation studies have shown that a seat suspension with a dynamic absorber can significantly improve lateral ride. In this investigation, the lateral ride performance of an off-road vehicle with a seat suspension having a dynamic vibration absorber is studied. Based on parametric sensitivity and optimization analyses in establishing optimal parameters, a prototype suspension is designed and fabricated, and then tested in the laboratory as well as on the field. Analytical results are compared to those derived from the test data in order to illustrate the validity of the computer model. The investigations through laboratory and field testing of the lateral seat suspension system have demonstrated potential in improving ride. |
