Simulation and Analysis of Quarter Car Model for Low Cost Suspension Test Rig

This paper deals with simulating a control system automating the operation of an existing suspension test rig at a low cost. The rig has a few limitations; it has to be operated manually, the load applied cannot be specified, and the deflection has to be measured manually. Also, a suspension setup cannot be tested for varying road profiles. The control system proposed in this paper effectively automates the process of load testing of suspension springs, at a cost relatively lower than a fully-automated test rig available in the market, while improving the breadth of its capabilities. Simulation models of both the existing test rig and modified test rig control system were plotted using SIMSCAPE. The effects of testing suspension components on both rigs were simulated, and the resulting graphs were obtained and compared.