Comparison of passive and active suspension systems based on different vehicle speeds and damping coefficients

Active suspension systems are among the innovative technologies developed in the automotive industry to optimize ride comfort and handling performance based on road and load conditions. Compared to traditional passive suspensions, these systems are more complex and require significant engineering efforts in their design and analysis. The analysis of active suspension systems in a computer environment is conducted using modern engineering software and simulation techniques. Software such as MATLAB/Simulink is widely used for system modeling, control algorithm design, and performance evaluation. The quarter-car model is one of the most commonly used mathematical models for analyzing active suspension systems. The primary goal of computer-based analysis is to optimize system stability and ride comfort. In active suspension systems, the PID control algorithm is utilized. These algorithms generate control signals that respond quickly to road surface conditions and vehicle dynamics. In this study, passive and PID-controlled active suspension systems were compared using MATLAB Simulink under different vehicle speeds (5 km/h, 25 km/h, 55 km/h) and various damping coefficients. Based on the quarter-car model simulations, it was observed that the passive suspension system delivers optimal performance at specific speeds and damping values, whereas the active suspension system performs better across a wider speed range in terms of body displacement and acceleration. The PID-controlled system was found to respond more quickly to road irregularities, thereby reducing vibrations and improving ride comfort. However, it was also emphasized that active suspension systems should be evaluated in terms of energy consumption and cost.