ME190-5

AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING

SUSPENSION

RELOS, ROI JOSHUA C.

BSME-3

2018103535

1. Based on your understanding, how does a car suspension work? Discuss the principle. Identify
each part and its function.
A suspension system is a set of mechanical connections, springs, and dampers that
connect the wheels to the chassis. It has traditionally performed two functions: regulating the
vehicle's handling and braking for safety and keeping passengers comfortable from bumps,
vibrations, and other factors. It also aids in maintaining proper vehicle height and alignment. It
also controls the vehicle's orientation and must maintain the steering wheel perpendicular to
the ground for optimal grip. The suspension also helps to safeguard the car and its contents
from damage and wear. The front and rear suspensions of an automobile may be designed
differently. A suspension system irrespective of their type has some main components in
common that are:-

1. Knuckle or Upright-

It is the component of the suspension system that is mounted over the wheel’s hub
through which the wheels and the suspension of the vehicle connect with each other by the
linkages provided.A knuckle is provided with the king-pin and the caster angles that help the
front wheels of the vehicle to steer in right or left direction which in turn steers the vehicle.A
knuckle provides housing for central bearing over which the wheel’s hub rotates along with the
rotation of the wheels.

2. Linkages-

linkages are the rigid connections that are used in a suspension system to connect the
main frame of the vehicle with the knuckle of the wheels through mechanical fasteners.On the
basis of the type of suspension used linkages are of 3 types-
i. Wishbones or A-arm –
It is the type of the mechanical linkage which is in shape of the alphabet A, the pointy
end of the A-arm is fastened to the knuckle and the other 2 ends of the A-arm are fastened to
the main frame of the vehicle.On the basis of the application of the vehicle, either a single A-arm
or double A-arm are used.
 ii. Solid axle or live axle-
It is the type of linkage which is used to connect the main frame of the vehicle with the
knuckle on the wheel, this is the solid axle casing that supports the overall weight of the vehicle,
this type of linkage can be seen in trucks.

iii. Multiple links-

Instead of using double wishbone or solid axle linkage various high-end cars are
adopting multiple link type of suspension in which multiple solid links are used to connect the
main frame of the vehicle to the knuckle on the wheel.

3. Shock absorbers or springs-

They are the flexible mechanical components that are used to absorb shock provided by the
road condition and is placed between the linkages ( wishbone. Solid axle, multi-links) and the
main frame such that the road shock is minimized before transmitting to the main frame of a
vehicle. On the basis of the application and type of suspension used shock absorbers are of
many types that are-

i. Spring and damper type shock absorber-

It is the type of shock absorber in which pneumatic or hydraulic piston is known as the
damper is used that provides damping by absorbing the road shocks.This damper is surrounded
by a compression coil spring which is an elastic mechanical constraint that compresses when
force is applied by the bump and recoil back or regains its original shape and size when the force
is removed.It is used to maintain the surface contact of the tires with the road by providing
stiffness (resistance to compress), also maintain the damper at its original length after absorbing
the shock.

ii. Leaf spring-

It is the type of spring in which a number of ductile metal plates called leaf are arranged in a
special pattern i.e. one over one in ascending order of their length, leaves of the leaf spring
shock absorber are pre-stressed such that when the shock is transferred by the wheels these
pre-stressed leaves being ductile tries to regain their original shape i.e. straighten,. Due to which
shock is absorbed by the leaves.This type of shock absorber can be easily seen in trucks on the
road in which leaf spring shock absorber is used in between the solid or live axle and the main
frame of the vehicle.

iii. Air spring-

 It is the latest type of shock absorbers which can be easily seen in Volvo buses, in air spring
shock absorbers the damping of shock is a function of air compression, which means air is used
as a shock absorber. The air needed for different load conditions is controlled and monitored by
the Electric control unit of the vehicle.

2. Identify the best suspension to use in the following application:

a. Heavy duty(trucks, etc.)
-Leaf spring.
-Equalizer beam.
-Torsion bar.
-Air spring.
b. Performance Vehicles(sports cars, super cars)
-sport-tuned suspension
The regular suspension will essentially do this for normal driving conditions,
like regular roads and an everyday commute. A sport-tuned suspension on the other
hand is developed to provide better handling around corners and give the driver a
better feel for the road with a lower center of gravity for a more exciting driving
experience.
c. Off-road ride
-Four-Link Suspensions.
-Twin-Traction Beam Suspension.
-Double Wishbone Suspension.
-Independent Front Suspension.
d. Comfort ride(common vehicles)
-Leaf spring.
-Torsion bar suspension.
-Coil spring

3. In your own words, describe Clear motion suspension system. In your perspective will this
technology thrive in the future? Explain your answer.

Clear motion suspension system allows the vehicle to maintain stability whether a rough
objects are imposed in the road unlike the conventional suspension when they are engaged in a
rough surface where as series of elevation is prevailing, the conventional suspension tends to have
lesser stability control to the occupant of the vehicle unlike clear motion suspension system, it
allows the vehicle to maintain its stability despite of obstruction in the road is prevailing. In my
opinion, this technology has a good impact to the drivers especially to the ones who lives in rural
area where roads are not well developed which causes disturbance to the occupants and also can be
detrimental to the suspension system of the vehicle. If this is further improve and new technology
arises, it is certain that this kind of technology would help the future.