Load-Deflection Characteristics of Vehicle Suspension Systems

When a stationary automobile is on a horizontal road, the car and its suspension linkages are in static equilibrium under the actions of gravity loading, road reactions, and internal spring forces. When this same system is acted on by steady cornering and/or axial acceleration loads, in addition to gravity loading, the equilibrium configuration of the suspension will be changed substantially from its gravity-load-only condition, affecting the driving characteristics of the automobile.

This paper presents a general computer-based method for determining displacement relations and equilibrium configurations of mechanisms which are restrained by springs and subjected to steady external loading. The method is illustrated by its application to several suspension systems of varying complexity.