Among the development phases of an automotive vehicle one can point out the definition of the main characteristics of its suspensions like for example the suspension kinematics and compliances properties. Suspension definition phase can be understood as the following scenario: given a suspension type, which hard points (geometric) and what values of stiffness for the whole system will result in a desired dynamic behavior for the vehicle as well as production feasibility.
This present work intends to show the influence of some suspension properties on the global dynamic behavior of the vehicle, having as a target an efficient suspension design. In terms of global dynamic behavior this work point out some control parameters, which describe the vehicle transient and steady-state properties. Those parameters are: Yaw phase lag, understeer gradient, Steady state acceleration gain and yaw overshoot during a maneuver like brake in a turn and power-off in a curve.
In terms of suspension properties is showed in this work the roll steer gradient of the suspension, compliance steer, roll camber and roll coupling between the front and rear suspensions. A DOE was also carried out in order to get the influence of each suspension property on the vehicle global dynamic behavior. This work also shows numerical simulation results and its correlation with subjective and objective analysis as well as with some comparative and specific results analyzed upon the suspension responses.