3. Suspension Systems and Components

Suspension system design is as much about quality/refinement as being a handling/safety issue. This chapter begins by considering the kinematic requirements of any suspension system before discussing common suspension systems for both dependant and independent designs. Both front and rear suspension designs are considered. The chapter continues with a detailed analysis of the suspension system components—tyres, linkages, springs and dampers—the latter including active damping. It aims to extend the understanding of load transfer when body roll is considered along with the effects of sprung and unsprung masses. Both anti-squat and anti-dive designs are also studied. The chapter concludes with a quarter vehicle analysis whereby body bounce and wheel hop modes are identified as areas of interest. The chapter includes many numerical examples to better explain the theory and demonstrate their application.