Suspension system
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 automobiles.
The main role of suspension system are as follows:
— It supports the weight of vehicle .
— Provides smoother ride for the driver and passengers i.e. acts as cushion.
— Protects your vehicle from damage and wear .
— It also plays a critical role in maintaining self driving conditions.
— It also keeps the wheels pressed firmly to the ground for traction .
— It isolates the body from road shocks and vibrations which would otherwise be transferred to the passengers and load.
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.
In general, the larger the ratio of sprung weight to unsprung weight, the less the body and vehicle occupants are affected by bumps, dips, and other surface imperfections such as small bridges. A large sprung weight to unsprung weight ratio can also impact vehicle control.
No road is perfectly flat i.e. without irregularities. Even a freshly paved highways have subtle imperfections that can be interact with vehicle’s wheels. These are the imperfections that
apply forces on wheels.
According to Newton ‘s law of motion all forces have both magnitude and direction. A bump in the road causes the wheel to move up and down perpendicular to the road surface. The magnitude of course ,depends on whether the wheel is striking a giant bump or a tiny speck. Thus, either the wheel experiences a vertical acceleration as it passes over an imperfection.
The suspension of a car is actually part of the chassis, which comprises all of the important systems located beneath the car's body. These system include :
— Frame
— Suspension system
— Steering system
— Tires or Wheels
Components of Suspension system;
There are three fundamental components of any suspension system .
— Springs
Ø Coil spring
Ø Leaf springs
Ø Air springs
— Dampers
Ø Shock Absorbers
Ø Struts:-
Ø Anti-sway Bars
— Anti sway bars.
Types of Suspension system;
Advantages;
— Comfort to passengers
— Good handling
— Shields the vehicle from damage
— Increases life of vehicle
— Keeps the tires pressed firmly to ground.
