Suspension system

Introduction

• Suspension system is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels .

• It is basically cushion for passengers protects the luggage or any cargo and also itself from damage and wear.

• Sir William Brush is the father of suspension system in automobile.

• Supports the weight of the vehicle• Allows the wheels to move up and

down• Allows rapid cornering without

extreme body roll• Keeps the tires in firm contact with

the road

Functions of a Suspension System

• Prevents excessive body squat when accelerating or heavily loaded

• Prevents excessive body dive when braking

• Allows the front wheels to turn left or right for steering

• Helps to keep the wheels in correct alignment

Springs: Sprung and Unsprung Mass

The sprung mass is the mass supported on the springs, e.g. vehicle body, passengers, etc.

The unsprung mass is the mass between the road and the suspension springs, e.g. tires, wheels, etc.

Travel is another important parameter and defines the upper and lower limits of the wheel motion. If a wheel bottoms, it can cause serious control problems and cause damage.

Principle :-When a tire hits an obstruction, there is a reaction force. The size of this reaction force depends on the unsprung mass at each wheel assembly.

COMPONENTS OF SUSPENSION SYSTEM

The suspension of a car is actually part of the chassis, which comprises all of the important systems located beneath the car's body

•Frame•Suspension system•Steering system•Tires and Wheels

So the suspension is of the major system in any vehicleWith this picture overviewed in mind , its time to look at the three fundamental components of any suspension: springs , dampers and anti-sway bars

Coil springs

Leaf springs

Air springs

Torsional bar

•One end is attached to the frame and the other to the lower control arm.•Up and down motion of the suspension system twists the torsion bar.•It will then try to return to its original shape, moving the control arm to its original place.

Shock absorber

Shock absorber is basically an oil pump placed between the frame of the car and the wheels. It allows the dissipation of energy stored in the springs.

•Limits spring compression-extension movements to smooth the vehicle’s ride.

Struts

Strut is basically a shock absorber mounted inside a coil spring.

Performs two jobs

Dampening functionStructural support

Anti sway bars / anti roll bars

A sway bar is an automobile suspension device that connects opposite (left/right) wheels together through short lever arms linked by a torsional spring. A sway bar increases the suspensions roll stiffness.Functions are:

Level rideCombat the roll of car on its suspension while cornering

Suspension System

Non-independent suspension has both right and left wheel attached to thesame solid axle. When one wheel hits a bump in the road, its upward movement causes a slight tilt of the other wheel.

Independent suspension allows one wheel to move up and down with minimal effect to the other.

Dependent front suspension system:Dependent front suspensions have rigid front axle that connects the front wheels.Looks like the solid bar under the front of the car. Kept in placed by leaf springs and shock absorbers.Common on trucks dependent front suspensions havent been used in mainstream cars for years.

FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Independent front suspension

MacPherson Strut , developed by Earle S.MacPherson of general motors in 1947.

Most widely used in European origin.

Suspension SystemStrut assembly (MacPherson struts)

•Consists of a shock absorber, a coil spring, and an upper damper unit.

Wish bone type independent suspension system

Difficult to manufacture than McPherson.

Found in higher performance vehicle

Air suspension system

Air suspension system

Hydro Pneumatic suspension system

Invented by Citroen.

Uses belt driven pump powered by the engine.

Uses LHM(Liquid mineral hydraulique).

sphere

Nitrogen gas

SPHERE

• ADVANTAGESComfort to passengers.Good handling.Shields the vehicle from damage.Increases life of vehicle.Keeps the tires pressed firmly to ground.

Conclusion

• whole discussion in suspension system, I observe that suspension system is like a white blood cell .As white blood cell provides energy to our body to fight against diseases or viruses which try to destroy or try to decrease our life ,in the similar way suspension system provides the energy to a vehicle to protect itself from damaging, increasing life of the vehicle ,increases the handing,increases comfort of passengers and many more.

• So, according to me if you remove the suspension system, then you feel like in bull- cart in Audi , Mercedes types luxurious cars. The only difference is speed. So, the scope of Suspension System is Too Bright.