How do you improve ride comfort and handling with suspension systems?

1 Principles of Suspension

The suspension system is composed of springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, working together to provide vertical, longitudinal, and lateral support to the vehicle. Springs store and release energy when compressing and expanding, while dampers dissipate energy as they resist the motion of the springs. Anti-roll bars connect the left and right sides of the suspension and reduce body roll during cornering. To improve ride comfort, the suspension system should minimize the transmission of road irregularities to the chassis and occupants, by providing adequate spring stiffness and damping ratio. Handling can be improved by maintaining optimal tire contact and alignment with the road surface, through adequate camber, caster, toe, and roll stiffness. Finally, a balance between ride comfort and handling can be achieved by tuning the suspension system according to vehicle characteristics, driving conditions, and driver preferences.

2 Components of Suspension

The suspension system can be divided into two main categories, passive and active. Passive suspension systems use fixed or adjustable mechanical components that do not require external power or control inputs, while active suspension systems rely on sensors, actuators, and controllers to adjust the suspension parameters in real time. The main components of the suspension system include springs, dampers, anti-roll bars, sensors, actuators, and controllers. Springs determine the natural frequency and ride height of the vehicle, dampers determine the damping ratio and damping force of the vehicle, anti-roll bars connect the left and right wheels of the same axle to determine roll stiffness and roll angle, sensors measure displacement, velocity, acceleration, force or pressure of the suspension components and provide feedback signals to the controllers, actuators apply forces or torques to modify spring stiffness, damping ratio or roll stiffness of the vehicle, and controllers process feedback signals and reference inputs to generate control commands for the actuators.

3 Tuning Methods of Suspension

Tuning the suspension system requires adjusting the parameters of the components to reach the desired performance objectives. This can be done through two main categories: static and dynamic tuning methods. Static tuning involves setting the parameters before driving, while dynamic tuning requires changing them during driving. Specifically, static tuning involves selecting or modifying the spring stiffness, damping ratio, roll stiffness, ride height, camber, caster, toe, and tire pressure of the vehicle based on vehicle weight, geometry, aerodynamics, road conditions, and driver preferences. Dynamic tuning includes using active suspension systems that can vary the spring stiffness, damping ratio, or roll stiffness of the vehicle according to feedback signals from sensors and reference inputs from the driver or vehicle dynamics controller. By applying these principles, components, and tuning methods, you can improve ride comfort and handling with suspension systems to enhance safety, efficiency, and enjoyment of driving.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?