Abstract
In this theoretical study, a recently developed inerter-based pendulum vibration absorber (IPVA) is coupled with energy harvesting capabilities and applied to a quarter car model driving on a class C road (ISO 8608). Performance metrics including power harvested, sprung mass acceleration (ride comfort), and road handling are studied while varying the dimensionless pendulum length parameter. It is discovered that P-bifurcation of the probability density function (PDF), from mono-modal to bimodal is responsible for large output power (40% improved) and low sprung mass acceleration (40% improved) when compared with the equivalent linear system. Ride handling is determined to be best as well under bimodal conditions. As such, the authors further develop a Wiener path integration (WPI) coupled with curvature checking for the PDF to predict this P-bifurcation and eliminate the need for exhaustive Monte Carlo simulations for various parameter configurations. Energy flow in the system is also considered.
