Optimization of mechatronic systems: application to a modern car equipped with a semi-active suspension

The research aims at developing a global mechatronic approach to model, simulate and optimize complex industrial applications. The approach is illustrated with the simulation and the optimization of a modern car (an Audi A6) equipped with a controlled semi-active suspension. An optimization procedure is used to find the best sub-system parameters in order to improve the comfort of the passengers while preserving the car ride and handling performances. Two different modeling and optimization approaches are used and compared. The first one is realized in the MATLAB-SIMULINK environment and is based on a symbolic multibody model of the chassis while the hydraulic actuators, and the controller are integrated using S-functions. Optimization is also carried out in MATLAB using algorithms available in MATLAB libraries, especially a genetic algorithm (GA). On the other hand, the second approach relies on a multibody model based on the Finite Element method whereas the optimization can be realized with an industrial open optimization tool.