Hybrid modeling approach for vehicle frame coupled with nonlinear dampers

The vehicle frame system comprises frame structure and nonlinear dampers. In order to investigate the effects of frame flexibility and nonlinear hysteresis, a hybrid modeling approach for vehicle frame coupled with nonlinear dampers will be proposed. Before that, a complex model for nonlinear damper is developed consisting of knowledge-based model and support vector machine (SVM) model. The frame structure is modeled by FEM where the SVM complex model of damper is embedded in. Thus a hybrid model for vehicle frame system is established and successfully validated via a dummy vehicle riding in different conditions. The results show that the hybrid model can capture the nonlinear dynamic characteristics accurately. The hybrid model can also provide a basis for structural design with the existing of FEM model.