Road Vehicle Suspensions

This text gives a comprehensive survey of the kinematics, elasto-kinematics, and design methods for vehicle wheel suspensions. Available for the first time in English (from the second edition in German), this book will serve as a reference source for automotive design, test, and development engineers, as well as a useful student text. The opening section takes a broad look at suspension systematics, kinematic analysis, tyre properties, and springing mechanisms. This is followed by an explanation of how traction and braking events, steering, and cornering are affected by the suspension itself and by driveline elements such as driveshafts, universal joints, and hub reduction gears. Underlying these considerations is the "theorem of virtual work". This enables the author to presents easily understandable explanations and mathematical equations. Only those equations essential to the theoretical background are used, the preference throughout being for the good visualisation of the various problems and solutions using a host of diagrams and schematic drawings. Rounding off the theoretical chapters is a detailed assessment of the contribution of elasto-kinematics (the significance of which is now widely recognised) and of practical design features that stem from it. Finally, the author presents and comments on a representative selection of independent, rigid-axle, and compound suspension systems for passenger cars and motorcycles, using historical as well as current examples because of the lessons that can be learnt from past experience.