Optimizing Tricycle (Tuk-Tuk) Suspension Systems Using Mathematical Modeling

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Published: Nov 15, 2025
Keywords:
Tricycle Suspension System Vibration Comfort Value Computer Program

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Chaiyawoot Narintharangkul
Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Nonthaburi, Thailand
Poom Jatunitanont
Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Abstract

The use of tricycles in Thailand has declined due to mechanical issues, particularly with the engine and suspension systems. This research focuses on optimizing the suspension system to improve ride comfort. The study has three main objectives: 1) to analyze the vibration of the leaf spring suspension in two-section convertible tricycles, 2) to develop a suspension model that complies with ISO 2631-1 standards for vibration comfort, and 3) to compare vibration effects between the original and new suspension models using simulation software. The goal is to reduce vibrations and enhance comfort through mathematical modeling and parameter optimization. FFT and PSD analyses identified dominant vibration frequencies in the 4 to 8 Hz range, which correspond to human body resonance. By applying a band-stop filter and optimizing spring stiffness and damping coefficient, the damping ratio was adjusted to 0.3. This led to a significant reduction in RMS acceleration from 0.985 m/s² to 0.537 m/s², and peak acceleration dropped from 1.12 m/s² to 0.582 m/s², improving comfort from fairly uncomfortable to slightly uncomfortable.


The optimized suspension design significantly reduced vibrations in critical frequency ranges. The results from this approach can be applied to various vehicle types, offering potential for further development in the automotive industry, especially for vehicles sensitive to vibration.

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How to Cite
Narintharangkul, C., & Jatunitanont, P. (2025). Optimizing Tricycle (Tuk-Tuk) Suspension Systems Using Mathematical Modeling. INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (ISJET), 9(2), 49–63. retrieved from https://ph02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/isjet/article/view/257875
Issue
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): July-December
Section
Research Article
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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Author Biographies

Chaiyawoot Narintharangkul, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Chaiyawoot Narintharangkul graduated with a degree in Automotive Manufacturing Engineering from Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Thailand, in March 2020, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Used to work as an Inspection Engineer trainee at Keisokukensa Company in 2020. Currently, a job as a Senior Officer in the Engineering and Technology Faculty at Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Poom Jatunitanont, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Poom Jatunitanon received a Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Kasetsart University, Thailand, in 2017. Used to be a professor in automotive manufacturing engineering, from 2019 to 2025 at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Thailand, and current job as Head of automotive manufacturing engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Nonthaburi, Thailand.

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