Browse Topic: Suspension linkages

Items (85)
Numerical optimization of independent suspension hardpoint2019-36-01541/13/2020
The present work aims to use complex tools for the calculation of vehicle dynamics, using optimization analysis. The study was applied to a single seat off-road prototype that has independent suspension, Double A or WishBones type, both on the front and rear axles and whose main objective will be the analysis of the prototype suspension arms fixing points. A multi-body model was created by MotionView software and straight-line acceleration and deceleration analyzes were applied to obtain better longitudinal load transfer ratios for the axes, besides the force measurements for the arm connections during these events. After the creation of the multi-body model, some studies using optimization tools, through HyperStudy software, were performed in order to obtain the new positions of the attachment points in the chassis, achieving a better dynamic suspension design. The new points change the longitudinal load transfer design and generate controlled alteration between predefined parameters in the behavior of the camber and toe in angles resulting in a different suspension arm geometry. In addition, the new geometry also had a pickup analysis of forces for comparison between models. At the end of the study, the prototype model generated allows full comparison of the macro operation of the prototype, and allowing the developers to evaluate if this model is more efficient and robust than the previous one. The optimization tool allows to find important results that allow the studied competition prototype to gain competitive advantages contributing to achieve better results and a better design.
Alvim, Olavo Fava FurtadoSilveira, Marcio Eduardo
Development of Block Cycle Test Load for Structural Durability Validation of MacPherson Strut2019-26-03151/9/2019
The MacPherson strut is a simple and common across all automotive’s front suspension of passenger cars. It is an independent suspension type, including a single suspension arm (spring and damper), an anti-roll bar and a lower arm. The MacPherson strut must have sufficient stiffness to support cornering force and fore/aft loads. Fatigue test of MacPherson strut suspension can be done in multiple ways. Most common method is laboratory testing/rig test. The objective of laboratory testing is to validate the MacPherson strut physically for all possible real-time events. Replicating all real-time events in lab environment is a challenging task. For many years this limitation was addressed through experience, however it has often led to either over or inferior design. The expected life span of automotive components like MacPherson strut varies considerably but it can be measurable in years/miles. It becomes virtually challenging to prove the product under service conditions over its whole design life. Hence, it becomes necessary to depend on accelerated testing methods to predict long-term performance and brings out feebleness in the structure in a very minimal time, compared to the time required for proving ground tests or physical component testing in the laboratory with real time load.
Murthy, Nuli VedaGopal, SritharanT, SiddeshwaranKilburn, Kevin
Modeling and Simulation of Steady State Handling Characteristics of Formula Vehicle with Antiroll Bars2019-26-00681/9/2019
Antiroll bar plays an important role in rollover stability of the vehicle. But not only does it limit the vehicle roll during cornering, but also alters the lateral load transfer between the tracks, which in turn affects the cornering performance of the vehicle. This paper deals with the design and mathematical modeling of antiroll bars to reduce the body roll of the vehicle from 1.5°/g to less than 1.0°/g. Rear bar uses a conventional torsion type bar but the front anti roll mechanism is an unconventional antiroll bar using a rotating double cantilever mechanism. Mathematical modeling is done for pushrod rod actuated antiroll mechanisms to simulate its non-linear roll rates. Antiroll bars for front and rear are designed for the calculated stiffness. Finite Element Analysis of antiroll bar and its components is done and the mechanism is tested on the vehicle. Steady state tire model parameters are generated by curve fitting tire testing data into pacejka coefficients. Then the vehicle mathematical model is built and simulated in multi-body simulation tool CarSim for various steady state and transient response tests like skidpad and double lane change. The effect of various antiroll bar configuration on front and rear to achieve the desired roll rate and handling characteristics of the vehicle. The use of Antiroll bar allowed to use softer spring rates and reduce the effective roll rate of the vehicle to 0.98 °/g. It also reduced the skidpad time by 1.4% and the autocross timings were reduced by 0.4 seconds per lap.
Gupta, AmitJadhav, SurajMane, RamchandraVora, KamalkishoreAgrewale, Mohammad Rafiq
Suspension Systems: Some New Analytical Formulas for Describing the Dynamic Behavior2018-01-05544/3/2018
The paper presents some new and unreferenced analytical formulae describing the dynamic behaviour of the suspension system of road or off-road vehicles. The quarter car model (2 degrees of freedom) is considered, the suspension can be either passive or active. Passive suspensions can be simplified as the spring-damper combination or the spring-damper combination with an additional in series spring (representing, e.g., the rubber bushing at the top of a McPherson strut or the rubber bushing at the end joints of the damper). The mathematical system is linear and the excitation is given by a random stationary and ergodic process. The standard deviations in analytical form are given referring to, respectively, the vehicle body acceleration, the relative displacement between sprung and unsprung mass, and the force at the ground. The so called invariant points of the frequency response functions are derived for both active and passive suspension. Unreferenced sub-invariant points are derived which give hints on the performance of suspension systems. The analytical expressions of the Pareto-optimal solutions for selecting proper suspension parameters and the preferred performance are given, when possible, in analytical form. Analytical formulae are useful to understand qualitatively the behaviour of suspension systems. Despite their simplicity, they appear to be useful during testing.
Mastinu, GiampieroGobbi, MassimilianoYang, LiunanRamakrishnan, KesavanBallo, Federico
Design and Simulated Analysis of Regenerative Suspension System with Hydraulic Cylinder, Motor and Dynamo2017-01-12843/28/2017
With the ever increasing number of vehicles on road and the rise of the electric and automated vehicles, it is important to minimize the consumption of energy by each vehicle, regenerative braking is in wide use today, however, the research in the field of regenerative suspension is limited. The regenerative suspension has huge capabilities in power generation especially on third world roads having rather bumpy rides. A huge amounts of energy is wasted in shock absorbers due to friction. This study emphasizes on the implementation of the energy present in the suspension system by replacing the Shock Absorber with a Energy transfer system Involving Hydraulic cylinder, Hydraulic Motor and Dynamo. The energy which is usually lost as heat due to friction in conventional Suspension is used to drive a dynamo through Hydraulic System designed in this paper and electricity is generated. This approach involves design and simulation of regenerative suspension system with specialized hydraulic device and comparison of the system with regenerative suspension system involving Rack and Pinion. Electricity is generated by the Regenerative System and plot of the electricity generated with the speed of the vehicle is obtained using simulation. A marked Improvement is seen in the energy saved using this system as compared to simple Suspension system.
Ahmad, KhushalAlam, Monis
Application Study of Nonlinear Viscoelastic Constitutive Model for Dynamic Behavior of Suspension Arm Bushing2016-01-13754/5/2016
Ride quality is an important purchasing consideration for consumers. It is typically defined in terms of noise, vibration and harshness. These phenomena are a result of vibrations caused at the engine/powertrain and from the road surface, which are transmitted to the passenger cabin. To minimize such vibrations, rubber parts are used extensively at mounting points for the cabin, such as engine mountings and suspension bushings. The vehicle development process increasingly requires performance testing, including rubber parts using CAE, prior to prototype evaluation. This in turn requires a rubber material model that can accurately describe dynamic characteristics of rubber components, particularly frequency and amplitude dependency. Conventional rubber models using commercially available structural analysis solvers cannot solve for both frequency and amplitude dependency at the same time, and are unable to predict transient phenomena such as harshness that involve inputs of varying amplitude. The authors have proposed a new rubber material model that is able to reproduce both frequency and amplitude dependency simultaneously, based on the rubber material model developed by Simo, J.C. [1]. Previous studies have demonstrated the accuracy of the new model under quasi-static and harmonic input conditions. Actual vehicle evaluation involves several input directions, with simultaneous translational and rotational inputs that are transient. In this paper, the new rubber material model is applied to a suspension arm bushing to confirm bushing force when subjected to complex inputs. The model was shown to predict bushing stiffness with greater accuracy and therefore was validated.
Ueda, MasahiroIto, SatoshiSuzuki, Daichi
Experimental Investigation of Effect of Driveline Torsional Fluctuations on Overall NVH Performance of the Vehicle2015-01-21926/15/2015
Meeting various customer(s) requirements with the given automotive product portfolio within the stipulated time period is a challenge. Design of product configuration matrix is an intelligent task and it requires information about vehicle performance for different configurations which helps in deciding the level of new development. Most often the situation arises, particularly in the field of NVH, to strike the right balance between engine power and structural parameters of the body. The sensitivity of engine power on the overall NVH behavior is the key information necessary to take major business decisions. In this paper, the effect of change in torsional fluctuation of the engine on the NVH behavior of the rear wheel drive vehicle is experimentally studied. The torsional fluctuation of the driveline is given as an input with the help of an electric motor to the existing test vehicle at its differential end and the current NVH levels are measured. A test rig is built to change the levels of torsional vibration input to the vehicle. The threshold level of torsional fluctuation for the given vehicle structure is obtained by taking into account the target values of tactile vibration and subjective perception. The results are very useful in deciding the acceptable level of change in engine power without carrying any structural change. Also, for a given power, the set of structural changes necessary in the body and suspension linkages to meet the NVH criteria can be studied. The procedure is also extended to an all-wheel drive vehicle with the help of a two wheel drive chassis dynamometer. Obtaining subjective perception of the vehicle NVH even before making the vehicle of target configuration is an inherent advantage of the proposed technique. A good correlation is achieved with the objective results and subjective perception.
Rao, Manchi VenkateswaraFrank, JosRaghavendran, Prasath
Formula SAE Frame Torsional Stiffness Study using FEA2014-36-02349/30/2014
The Formula SAE competition has the purpose to stimulate the engineering students to work in teams to develop a concept, design and build small racing vehicles. In this competition, students are motivated to build a high performance car, reliable and with low development cost. The success of the team in the competition is determined with a detailed analysis of all aspects involved. Considering the frame development, some key points must be considered for the structural performance: stiffness, durability, modal and safety response. This papers focus on the stiffness analysis to verify if the frame torsional stiffness is compatible with the respective suspension for the level of performance required. The study was performed using the frame of 2012 Formula SAE from Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia using beam elements to model the frame structure in a FEA (Finite Elements Model) software to simulate the system stiffness. The vehicle mass and CG properties to support the studies were obtained in laboratory measurements. The FEA calculated frame torsional stiffness was then compared to the suspension stiffness using analytical methods, making it possible to assess the compatibility between the frame and the suspension. This compatibility was checked in terms of an objective criteria based on the comparison of the roll stiffness distribution versus lateral load transfer distribution. Finally, these results led to the correct identification of the balance between the stiffness values of the frame and suspension for the vehicle proposed, allowing potential improvements for the frame structure in terms of mass and cost.
Costa, João Augusto daVilela, Daniel
Lightening Approach for Small Vehicles by Developing Extruded Aluminum Suspension Arm2012-32-009410/23/2012
This paper shows the lightening approach for small vehicles by developing lower arm of the hollow extruded aluminum, which is the low cost material and has closed cross section. The manufacturing cost was reduced by developing the industrial method to form the developed lower arm of the extruded aluminum by cold press, without welding. In addition, the developed method forming of the heat-treated extruded aluminum reduces the manufacturing cost more, compared to the conventional method forming before the heat treating. The structure of the developed lower arm has the wide center part receiving the coil spring and the narrow end part connecting to the vehicle body with the bush. The center part has the same cross section as the extruded aluminum, and the end part was formed by shrinking the extruded aluminum by cold press. In addition, the original expanding clinching method was developed to joint the aluminum outer tube of the bush for the prevention action against the galvanic corrosion. As mentioned above, the lightening approach for the suspension parts of small vehicles have been achieved by developing the lower arm made of the extruded aluminum with the elemental technologies of the material, structure and joint. The developed lower arm has already been adopted for the rear suspension of our passenger car, and achieves the weight lightening of 30% and the cost reduction of 22% compared to the conventional steel lower arm. In addition, that achieves the weight lightening of 50% compared to the lower arm made of aluminum by high vacuum die-casting. Hereafter, this developed approach by the extruded aluminum will be evolved widely to the suspension parts of not only passenger car but also the other small vehicles like ATV and EV commuter.
Yotsuya, GoukiYamauchi, Ryo
Steering System Optimization of a Ford Heavy-Commercial Vehicle Using Kinematic & Compliance Analysis2012-01-19379/24/2012
The basic scope of heavy-commercial vehicle (HCV) development which was just concentrated on fuel-economy, durability and performance feel is not capable of fulfilling the increasing customer expectations anymore. HCV developers concentrate on additional vehicle attributes such as steering, ride comfort, NVH, braking, ergonomics and exterior-interior design in order to provide the passenger-car like perception to HCV drivers during long distance drives. The objective of this paper is to present the model validation methodology and the optimization study on suspension & steering hard points of a HCV. The results of the optimization study on suspension kinematics and steering performance of the vehicle is verified using both full vehicle simulations and vehicle testing. A full vehicle ADAMS/Car model is used for the validation and optimization study which has beam-element leaf springs on solid axle and air springs on drive axle for front and rear, respectively. The steering system of the mentioned HCV consists of a steering wheel, steering column subsystem, a variable-ratio steering gear with recirculating ball mechanism, a pitman arm, a drag link, an upper steering arm, two lower steering arms and a tie-rod. All steering linkages are modeled as rigid bodies in ADAMS/Car model during the optimization study. The optimization factors are selected as pitman arm-to-drag link hard point, drag link-to-upper steering arm hard point, and lower steering arm-to-tie rod hard point. The aim of this optimization study is to improve and find an optimum point for the kinematic properties such as bump steer, roll steer, percent Ackermann, maximum wheel angle and their symmetry. The improvements on kinematic properties are verified with vehicle testing on different maneuvers with the prototype vehicles.
Oz, YahyaOzan, BerzahUyanik, Eren
Development of a New Multi-link Rear Suspension2012-01-09784/16/2012
The requirements of suspension systems have become increasingly complex in recent years due to the expansion of global markets and diversification of the conditions under which vehicles are used in different parts of the world. It is also becoming increasingly important to ensure that vehicles offer the secure handling stability which are expected by drivers, but can also provide an adequate level of ride comfort when driving on a wide diversity of road surfaces in all parts of the world. From an environmental viewpoint, it is also essential to achieve weight reductions for better fuel economy. To meet these wide-ranging requirements, we have developed a new multi-link rear suspension that has a simple link configuration and a lower link that features a connecting bushing mechanism developed by Nissan. This innovative new connecting bushing mechanism not only helps to provide better handling stability by ensuring high stiffness and an adequate level of compliance steer, but also helps to improve the ride comfort by suitably controlling the behavior of tires when they encounter irregularities in the road surface, thereby providing a safe and comfortable driving experience suitable for a high-performance passenger vehicle. The new link layout enabled us to reduce the number of components compared with current multi-link suspensions, we have also achieved weight reductions by precisely controling the load transmitted to links and suspension members. In this paper, we introduce the purpose, structure, characteristics and advantages of this suspension.
Koide, ReoKawabe, YoshihiroNakajima, KeiichiKazuhiro, Kiriyama
Transfer Function Analysis of Rear Multi-Link Suspension to Improve Ride Vibration and Road Noise2011-01-15715/17/2011
The expectation of customers on ride comfort is very high and vehicle engineers also have keen interesting to improve ride vibration and road noise. As the conventional tuning parameters for the ride vibration and road noise, vibration characteristics of tire, body structure, bushing, suspension members etc. are mainly considered. But these conventional tuning parameters are sometimes not enough due to the side effects such like handling performances and durability. Therefore, instead of these conventional design and tuning parameters, suspension geometry and alignment characteristics of suspension system are selected as the alternative parameters to compromise ride vibration, road noise and vehicle dynamic performance. In this research, multi-link type rear suspension is selected for the integrated analysis of ride vibration, road impact noise and handling performance. Transfer function, transfer force analysis of rear multi link suspension system and reaction forces variations according to the modification of geometry and compliance are analyzed for the reduction of ride vibration and road noise without the loss of handling performance, steering response and driving stability. Computer simulation and experimental approach are used to find which parameters of suspension system are so critical in the reaction forces transfer caused by road input. From these analyses, the effects of suspension geometry and compliance on ride comfort as well as on wheel alignment characteristics like Camber, Toe and lateral stiffness of suspension system are discussed.
Kim, Myung-Gyu
Influence of Suspension Kinematics and Damper Asymmetry on the Dynamic Responses of a Vehicle under Bump and Pothole Excitations2010-01-11354/12/2010
Automotive suspensions invariably exhibit asymmetric damping properties in compression and rebound, which is partly attributed to asymmetric damping and in-part to the suspension linkage kinematics together with tire lateral compliance. Although automotive suspensions have invariably employed asymmetric damping, the design guidelines and particular rationale for such asymmetry has not been explicitly defined. The influences of damper asymmetry together with the suspension kinematics and tire lateral compliance on the dynamic responses of a vehicle are investigated analytically under bump and pothole excitations, and the results are interpreted in view of potential design guidance. A quarter-car kineto-dynamic model of the road vehicle employing a double wishbone type suspension comprising a strut with linear spring and multiphase asymmetric damper is formulated for the analyses. The simulation results revealed conflicting sprung mass acceleration responses under idealized bump and pothole road inputs. The results attained from a sensitivity analysis suggested significant influences of damper asymmetry, and the compression and rebound reduction factors corresponding to higher strut speeds on the dynamic responses. A composite performance index comprising the ride comfort, rattle space and tire road holding properties of the vehicle is formulated to seek optimal damping asymmetry. The optimal suspension damping parameters derived through minimization of the composite index function revealed considerable potential for improved ride responses under the bump and pothole excitations.
Balike, Krishna PrasadRakheja, SubhashStiharu, Ion
An Onboard Telemetry System for Low-Level Electrical Signals2010-01-01914/12/2010
A low-cost, high precision strain gauge data acquisition system was designed and implemented to aid in optimizing the design of suspension and steering members in an FSAE vehicle. The primary focus of the project was to capture load limits in A-arms, steering tie-rods, and toe control linkages and to extract the dynamic response of the suspension system when subjected to steady-state cornering and bump scenarios. These data are critical considerations needed to systematically and aggressively address suspension material selection and fabrication, vehicle dynamic response, and weight savings. In addition, the data from this system were intended to enhance the accuracy of imposed FEA boundary conditions, corroborate on-road system responses to simulated data, and provide a cost-effective, wireless alternative for a wide range of low-level electrical signals throughout the vehicle. The system is USB based and features a LabVIEW® software interface that directly controls the hardware without embedded code. Through the use of modern low-cost netbook computers, a lightweight, wireless on-board package is easily achievable. Preliminary testing found that the unit performed similarly to a commercially available industry standard, but at less than a tenth of the cost. Logged suspension data are presented from a SCCA Solo as an example of the utility of this system. Additionally, this paper provides key insights into the unit's design and fabrication such that other academic institutions with particularly limited budgets could adapt it to their needs, thereby decreasing the design cycle time of their vehicles.
Vaughan, AdamDelagrammatikas, George J.
Synthesis of a Vehicle Suspension with Constrained Lateral Space using a Roll-plane Kineto-dynamic Model2010-01-06414/12/2010
The larger chassis space requirements of hybrid vehicles necessitates considerations of the suspension synthesis with limited lateral space, which may involve complex compromises among performance measures related to vehicle ride and handling. This study investigates the influences of suspension linkage geometry on the kinematic and dynamic responses of the vehicle including the wheel load in order to facilitate synthesis of suspension with constrained lateral space. A kineto-dynamic half-car model is formulated incorporating double wishbone suspensions with tire compliance, although the results are limited to kinematic responses alone. An optimal synthesis of the suspension is presented to attain a compromise among the different kinematic performance measures with considerations of lateral space constraints. In the kineto-dynamic model, the struts comprising linear springs and viscous dampers are introduced as force elements. Kinematic formulations of the proposed model are derived using displacement matrix method. The kinematic responses, particularly the variations in the camber angles and the wheel track width are investigated under wheel vertical displacement, chassis roll, and simultaneous inputs of wheel center displacement and chassis roll. The results attained from a sensitivity analysis suggested that variations in the joint coordinates could yield reduction in the lateral space, while these would involve complex compromises among the kinematic responses of the suspension. A composite objective function of camber angle and track width measures under wheel vertical displacement and chassis roll excitations is subsequently formulated and solved with constraints on variations in the roll center height and the suspension lateral packaging space to seek optimal joint coordinates. The proposed synthesis with optimal joint coordinates could yield nearly 10% reductions in the lateral packaging space, and camber angle and wheel track variations with only minimal increase in the peak roll camber.
Balike, Krishna PrasadRakheja, SubhashStiharu, Ion
Magneto-Rheological Fluid Semiactive Suspension System Performance Testing on a Stryker Vehicle2006-01-13794/3/2006
A Magneto-Rheological (MR) Fluid Semiactive Suspension System was tested on a Stryker vehicle, Infantry Carrier Variant (ICV), to determine the performance improvements compared to a standard ICV Stryker vehicle. In January 2005, the testing was conducted at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds located in Yuma, Arizona. The testing was conducted under the guidance of the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC) of Warren, Michigan and MillenWorks of Tustin, California. The core of the system tested is comprised of 8 dampers and controllers using proprietary algorithms to modulate individual wheel forces in response to terrain inputs and body motion. Functionality of the Standard Stryker vehicle’s pressurized gas spring and ride height management system was fully retained while maintaining the physical envelope of the original damper. The systems low power consumption (80 watts idle, estimated 250 watts cross-country, and 800 watts theoretical peak) did not require an additional power source. The MR Suspension system was intentionally designed to maintain the standard wheel travel, spring rate, and spring gas volume. Over a range of off-road bump courses, the MR Stryker’s best performance was a 72% increase in the vehicle’s speed, from 22 mph (standard vehicle) to 38 mph at the 6-watt level of driver absorbed power (a measure of transmitted vibration). The system also showed marked improvements during aggressive on-road maneuvers like lane changes. The rate of vehicle roll was reduced by 30%. The maximum lane change speed increased from 38 mph (standard vehicle) to over 50 mph with the MR system. This suspension technology is a cost effective, bolt-on system that has increased cross-country speeds, improved ride quality, and helped with platform stability thereby increasing battlefield effectiveness, safety levels for the operator and crew, and reducing potential for vehicle damage and associated maintenance activities. Its relatively simple design and cost effectiveness allows insertion of this technology into new vehicle designs, both wheel and track, as well as the potential for spiral upgrades with existing vehicles.
Wray, Andrea C.Jimenez, Alexander R.Anderfaas, EricHopkins, BrianLeNoach, Peter
Non-Linear Characteristics Suspension System for Tracked Vehicle2005-26-0641/19/2005
An Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) is a cross-country vehicle, which needs to be designed to operate under sever conditions. The vehicle has to negotiate through all surfaces during actual operation at high speeds. Due to the movement of the vehicle, if the loads applied to the road wheels of the AFV were transmitted directly to the chassis, not only would it occupants suffer severely but also its structure would be subjected to an excessive degree of fatigue loading. A very fundamental requirement of high wheel travel, high energy to be stored can be easily achieved with a non linear characteristics suspension system like Hydro Gas Suspension System (HGSS) which is highly compact and having inbuilt damper. Ever though the design is highly complicated, the system can absorb maximum energy, making the ride of the vehicle highly comfortable. The HGSS also ensures the suspension system is soft at lower loading and stiffer at higher loading which cannot be achieved by any linear characteristics suspension system. A non-linear HGSS has been designed and developed for application in a combat vehicle. The development carried out to facilitate high wheel travel both in the rebound and the bump conditions. Extensive computer modeling and analysis of twenty technical parameters which affect the design and the technical performance of HGSS were carried out on the computer using ‘C’ language programming and using analytical geometry principles to optimize the parameters. The system has been fabricated and subjected to detailed testing on the rig. The system has been engineered successfully and mounted on the vehicle and is under actual technical and field evaluation. For any class of vehicle and for any number of road wheel stations, an attempt has been made to have the advantages of purely non linear technical performance characteristics HGSS, “The state of the Art” technology available in the world to the vehicle. There was a requirement to have a high wheel travel in rebound condition as well as in bump condition. There are 20 technical parameters, which affect the performance characteristics of the suspension system. A detailed design and analysis were carried out to find the effect of change of each parameter value on acquiring feasible solutions and also to optimize the design. The complete performance characteristics of the suspension system were theoretically predicted. The HGSS was developed and rig tested for different strokes (different loading conditions) at different frequencies to authenticate the design and finally the endurance life of the HGSS was proved on test rig. Having completed the design, analysis, development and rig testing, the same design philosophy can be adopted for any automobile vehicle to increase the ride comfort and higher mobility of the vehicle.
LAKSHMANAN, K. S.
An Integrated Approach for an Articulated Bus Development. Durability and Dynamics Simulations2004-01-345511/16/2004
This paper describes the application of structural and dynamic analysis of a new articulated bus developed by Daimler-Chrysler do Brasil. Structural analysis is carried out using both static and dynamic finite element analysis. The simulation of the vehicle running on a road track gives input for structural dynamic analysis that is followed by durability calculation. Dynamics analyses are carried out using the multibody dynamic methodology and the software Adams/View. Initially, a detailed numerical model is developed, including all the major non-linearities of the actual vehicle, such as air spring and shock absorber curves, suspension bump stops and tire model. Also the representation of the suspension geometry and articulation properties is introduced. Using this model, the first dynamic analysis performed is the calculation of forces acting on suspension elements when the bus is running on a road track with severe profile. Handling analysis of the articulated bus is then conducted, presenting the following simulations: bus at constant speed on steady-state curves, single lane change and sweep steer. Following, a braking analysis is done, aiming at choosing the best brake configuration for safe operation. The results of these analyses provide a very confident picture of the behavior of this vehicle, prior to the execution of tests with an actual prototype, giving directions for project improvements during its development.
Saracho, Cristina MinioliNogueira, Celso FigueiredoMiyoshi, Carlos ShigueruArgentino, Marcos Antonio
New Suspension Design for Heavy Duty Trucks: Dynamic Considerations2000-01-344712/4/2000
It is well known that the excessive levels of vibration in heavy vehicles negatively affect driver comfortability, cargo safety and road condition. The current challenge in the field of suspension design for heavy vehicles is to optimize the suspension dynamic parameters to improve such requirements. Almost all of the previous work in this field is based on applying the mathematical optimization considering active or passive suspension systems to obtain the optimal dynamic parameters. In this work a new passive suspension systems for heavy trucks is suggested and compared with the conventional passive suspension systems. The new systems rely on transferring the vertical motion, (vibration), into horizontal motion through a bell-crank mechanism to be taken by a horizontal passive suspension system. The system dynamic parameters like body acceleration, suspension travel and dynamic tire load are calculated assuming random excitation due to road irregularities. The new suspension system is examined using single wheel station and tandem axle configurations. Improvements in body acceleration, suspension working space and dynamic tire load have been achieved compared with the conventional passive systems. These improvements are qualitatively almost equal to the improvement that usually achieved by using active suspension system. The new design is worth applying to cut the cost consumed in employing expensive active suspension systems.
Mokhtar, M. O. A.Ibrahim, I. M.El-Butch, A. M.
Assessment of a Glued Aluminum Monocoque and Suspension for Formula SAE® Style Racecars2000-01-353911/13/2000
Since 1995, Queen's University has been competing in the annual Formula SAE® competition. The first three formula cars were of conventional construction consisting of a tubular welded steel frame and welded steel suspension components. In the summer of 1997 the team began design and construction of their first monocoque chassis. A technique referred to as cut and fold was to be used for the construction. The material selected for the monocoque was a balsa-wood core with aluminum skins, commonly used in the aircraft industry. An innovative method to produce suspension arms with the use of an adhesive was also developed. The main objective in the design of the aluminum composite monocoque was to reduce the weight, increase stiffness, and simplify the design of the racecar. During the initial design stages it became evident that the composite monocoque would have many advantages over the steel frame, such as fewer components and the absence of welding. In order to ensure the design requirements were met, the monocoque and suspension components were thoroughly tested. This included choosing an adhesive that best demonstrated the required characteristics such as high shear and peel strength, resistance to elements and room temperature cure. It was concluded, through testing, that a two-part epoxy would be used because of its strength, safety to users and ease of application. After construction of the first monocoque, torsion tests were performed to assess its integrity. The results were very positive and supported the theoretical design and calculations. The confidence of the Queen's University Formula SAE® Team in the monocoque design incorporated in the 1999 racecar continues to grow. The racecar has endured the 1999 competition as well as a summer of Solo II events with no incidences of failure.
Nichilo, LivioAuger, MarcKonvalina, Tomas
The scope of this document is limited specifically to the following types of passenger vehicles: automobiles, light trucks, and sport/utility vehicles. This document addresses modifications as they apply to legal use of the vehicle, and examines suspension modification as it applies to stock (as manufactured) ride height, and changed (raised or lowered) ride height. Note that modifications of ride height are considered, exclusive of wheel and/or tire modifications, which can also have potentially serious side effects, and are outside the scope of this document.
Motor Vehicle Council
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