Performance comparison of an Inerter Suspension

Recent enhancements in automotive suspension systems have significantly increased vehicle safety, comfort, and dynamics. The inerter integration is an innovation, improving stability and comfort by dampening vibrations. As a two-terminal inertial element, the inerter creates a resistance force proportional to the relative acceleration between the terminals, quantified by the inertance constant in kilograms (kg). This research investigates the dynamics of a passenger vehicle using a 14 Degrees of Freedom (DOF) vehicle model that includes an inerter, alongside traditional springs and dampers. Comparisons are drawn between this comprehensive model and quarter-model and half-transversal car models. Employing VI-CarRealTime and MATLAB/SIMULINK for simulations, the study seeks to elucidate the enhancements in suspension performance attributable to the inerter across different road conditions.