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A model of an active suspension is developed, and a corresponding test stand is designed and constructed. The active suspension test stand is then subjected to a series of experiments to determine the feasibility of utilizing an online control scheme that is capable of automatically tuning itself for optimal performance. The experiments are designed to evaluate the control schemes utilizing both proportional and proportional plus integral plus derivative controller gain parameters. The methodology is a proof-of-concept that online tuning is a feasible means of maintaining optimal ride quality. A gradient-search is utilized on a simplified suspension (no tire), and the methodology is successful for the scenarios tested. The methodology should translate to a full-scale implementation with a more robust optimization scheme that is more suited for the nonlinearities accompanying the addition of a tire.

The transporting of live cattle involves the use of Class 8 tractors and livestock semi-trailers for transportation from farms and feedlots to processing plants. This travel may include unimproved roads, local streets, two lane highways, as well as interstate highways. Typically, cattle are compartmentalized in a “double deck” fashion as it provides utility and comports with size and weight limits for commercial Class 8 vehicles. Concern has been expressed for the effect of cattle movement upon the dynamic performance of the loaded Class 8 tractor-livestock trailer assembly. Loading guidelines exist for cattle that attempt to prevent injury or debilitation during transit, and literature exists on the orientation and some kinematics of loaded cattle. Considerable literature exists on the effect of liquid slosh in tankers and swinging beef carcasses suspended from hooks in refrigerated van trailers on the dynamic response and roll stability of those vehicles.