Improvement ride and handling for a passenger van based on Olley criteria

Light commercial passenger vans are commonly used in urban transportation, prioritising passenger comfort and effective handling. To ensure a smooth ride, especially over uneven road surfaces, optimising the van's suspension is essential. Key parameters like transmissibility ratio, suspension travel, and vertical acceleration must be regulated to maintain comfort. The suspension system significantly impacts vehicle dynamics and passenger experience, so selecting the right spring stiffness and dynamic frequencies is vital. This study uses a quarter-car model to determine the primary spring rates based on leaf spring deflection and shock absorber forces. The front suspension coil spring is also analysed, considering the front axle's characteristics. Optimising leaf spring rates based on Olley criteria minimises vibration isolation issues, ensuring better pitch and bounce frequencies. The positioning of front oscillation centres near the axles further enhances ride comfort and handling by improving suspension performance and minimising vibrations.