Skip to main content

Disciplines

Automotive
Business IT + Informatics
Construction + Real Estate
Electrical Engineering + Electronics
Energy + Sustainability
Insurance + Risk
Finance + Banking
Management + Leadership
Marketing + Sales
Mechanical Engineering + Materials

Events

DE
EN

Books

Journals

Start single access now

Request access for companies

EXTENDED SEARCH
Log in
Top

2023 | Book

Tyres and Wheels Read chapter Read first chapter

Suspension System

Author: Michael Trzesniowski

Publisher: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

Login to get access
insite
SEARCH

About this book

In this book, the reader learns the essential differences to the passenger car through the analysis divided according to assemblies. This gives him the tools to apply the detailed knowledge he has acquired to the design and development of competition vehicles. The chassis determines the driving behaviour and thus the "DNA" of a racing vehicle like no other assembly. Starting with the tyre - the decisive mechanical component - all the components of the wheel suspension including steering and braking system are presented and discussed. The focus is on the double wishbone and suspension strut axles. The design of wheel suspensions starts with kinematic considerations, leads via component design to considerations of the vehicle dynamics. Ultimately, the maximum forces of the tires in the transverse and circumferential directions are to be exploited while keeping the vehicle controllable. Due to the detailed, in-depth presentation, the work is just as suitable for the interested motorsport enthusiast as it is for the engineer in practice who is dealing with questions relating to racing suspensions. The formula material is prepared in such a way that the book can also be used as a reference work.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
1. Tyres and Wheels
Abstract
While wheels are still in the general field of vision because of their aesthetic effect, the spectators at the race track hardly pay any attention to the tires. The situation is no different for production vehicles. Studies have shown that hardly any drivers regularly check the inflation pressure of their tyres. Yet both parts count as unsprung masses, are relevant to safety and the tyre is by far the most important single (mechanical) component on a vehicle and especially on a competition vehicle. The tyres transmit all the forces to the car which ensure its desired position in relation to the road surface (the aerodynamic forces merely support it in this respect or even have a disruptive effect in the event of lift at the axles or in the event of crosswinds), and are therefore the limiting link in the overall racing vehicle system. Apart from this, the tyres are also the most difficult component to control, because they are subject to large deformations and also change their properties strongly with the temperature and with the state of wear, i.e. already during a race.
Michael Trzesniowski
2. Suspension
Abstract
The suspension is the major part of the chassis. It determines the position of the tire and thus becomes the most important assembly of a vehicle, and especially of a competition vehicle, next to the tires. Its performance essentially determines the characteristics of the entire vehicle.
Michael Trzesniowski
3. Springs and Dampers
Abstract
The body spring is the balancing element between the body, which should remain as still as possible, and the wheels, which should follow the road surface. The spring absorbs force peaks without introducing them directly into the car body. Dampers release the energy stored in the spring in a controlled manner and also act as dynamic springs. In this way, both also contribute to lightweight construction because load-bearing parts do not have to be designed for the load peaks caused by bumps. Only a well-tuned spring-damper system enables (long-lasting) fast driving.
Michael Trzesniowski
4. Types of Suspensions
Abstract
In most racing vehicles, the double-wishbone axle for front and rear has become established. It offers the greatest freedom in design for the designer, but also subsequently in the setup for the race engineer. The moving masses can be kept low even with large track widths. In addition, this design can be used for both driven and non-driven axles. Rally vehicles use wheel-guiding suspension struts at the front and rear.
Michael Trzesniowski
5. Steering
Abstract
The driver of a multi-track vehicle actually has only a few levers at his disposal to influence the behaviour of the car in the desired way. An important system in this respect is the steering. At the same time, it provides the driver with important information about the tire-road contact, but at the same time it should filter out disturbing influences from the road.
Michael Trzesniowski
6. Braking System
Abstract
Racing vehicles should be able to accelerate as strongly as possible, reach high speeds and also perform rapid changes of direction. One thinks primarily of the propulsive power of the engine, low masses and resistance, and the grip of the tires. But braking is also acceleration, albeit negative, and at least as important for low (lap) times as positive acceleration.
Michael Trzesniowski
7. Comparison Series: Racing
Abstract
Comparisons between production and racing vehicles are made throughout the book to increase clarity, but here similarities and differences are to be compared directly in a compact summary. This says a lot about both industries, their working methods and products in just a few pages.
Michael Trzesniowski
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Suspension System
Author
Michael Trzesniowski
Copyright Year
2023
Electronic ISBN
978-3-658-39847-7
Print ISBN
978-3-658-39846-0
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-39847-7

Premium Partner

AVL List GmbH dSpace BorgWarner Smalley FEV Ansys Valeo
    Image Credits