Abstract
While the general outline of vehicle suspension behaviour is fairly well known little interest has been shown in the detailed dynamic performance of the various designs. From such a study it is possible to predict the natural frequencies of the suspension systems and their response to various disturbances whether these are due to cornering forces, wind gusts or road disturbances.
Initially some typical suspensions are considered using the equation of Lagrange. Body movements are considered to consist of vertical and lateral displacements together with rotation about a geometrically defined point, the instantaneous centre of roll. Wheel movements are controlled by the geometry of the particular suspension. The suspensions considered do not exhaust the subject but serve as a guide for the analysis of particular systems which may be required from time to time.
The linearized equations of motion are given in matrix form, from which the natural frequencies of the system may be derived. No attempt is made to produce formulae for the natural frequencies since in practice it is more satisfactory to substitute numerical values for the symbols at this stage.
Some of the differences between the tyre behaviour in static and rolling states are mentioned. This is of particular relevance in view of the development of extensive vehicle vibration test rigs.
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