Abstract
In this paper we present the last developments regarding an innovative passive suspension system for ground vehicles that we first made public in /1, 2, 3, 4/. In the introduction we resume the theoretical background that led us to the development of this system. First we present an alternative model of the innovative suspension system for ground vehicles that is a refined model of the one analysed in paper /4/. Then we optimise the characteristics of this model by use of the Boxs method, so that both the ride behaviour and road holding ability of the vehicle be optimum. Last we evaluate, by simulation, the performance of a vehicle equipped with this optimised system and compare its performance to that of an equivalent vehicle equipped with an optimised but conventional suspension system. The conclusions drawn from the simulation results prove that, for the cases analysed here by simulation, the performance of the innovative suspens ion system is superior to a conventional one.