Vehicle suspensions (DIN020)

This course has the following objectives:

  • To introduce the terminology and quantities related to the design of suspensions;
  • To introduce the fundamental concepts of the project of suspension;
  • To present the methodology for suspension design;
  • To illustrate the presented concepts with case studies.

Topics:

  • Introduction
    • Definition of vertical dynamics
    • Main physical quantities related to the vertical dynamics
  • Description of road irregularities
    • Eventual irregularities
    • Inherent irregularities
  • Preliminary design of vehicle suspensions
    • Vehicle models
    • Initial considerations for the design of suspensions
    • Determination of basic frequencies
    • Effects of the main design parameters
  • Geometry of suspensions
    • Definition
    • Terminology
    • Types of suspensions
  • Analysis of the geometry of suspensions
    • Front view analysis
    • Lateral view analysis
    • Top view analysis

Basic bibliography

  • Gillespie, T.D. Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics, 1992.
  • Costa, A. Apostila Dinâmica Veicular, 2003.
  • Bastow, D. & Howard, G. Car Suspension and Handling, 3rd edition, 1993.

Complementary bibliography

  • Manual “Running Analyses in ADAMS/Car”.
  • Rill, G. Simulation Von Kraftfahrzeugen, 1994.