Fundamentals of Vehicle Suspension Design C1618
Topics: Chassis, Air Frame, Vehicle Dynamics
The design and development of vehicle suspensions significantly influences vehicle handling and ride comfort. Suspension system design excellence follows the basic laws of physics using design synthesis techniques, a methodical process for suspension geometry development. Suspension geometry is the foundation of vehicle performance from which high-confidence suspension components and tunings can be developed.
Suspension component design continues to move toward mass and cost efficient designs with high levels of stiffness being essential to achieving design requirements. Mass, cost and stiffness are expected to become increasingly important with higher fuel economy requirements, alternative energy sources and the move to autonomous vehicles. This course emphasizes the basic tenets of suspension design enabling strategically important product trends.
Learning Objectives
By attending this course, you will be able to:
- Discuss the basic attributes of suspension design
- Evaluate various suspension types, identifying advantages and tradeoffs
- Convey an understanding of vehicle level boundary conditions for suspension geometry
- Analyze suspension designs and how they affect vehicle performance
- Assess the basics of ground lines and tire envelopes on vehicle design
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for automotive engineers with a need to understand the basics of suspension design as well as suspension integration into the vehicle environment. The course is intended for both OEM and Supplier Engineers working in applications, materials, product design, development, testing, simulation and/or research.
Prerequisites
Participants should have a basic knowledge of suspension design either acquired through work experience or as a hobby. This information presented in this course will be helpful to individuals interested in enrolling in other SAE courses such as Vehicle Dynamics for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks (ID# 99020), or Advanced Vehicle Dynamics for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks (ID# C0415).
You must complete all course contact hours and successfully pass the learning assessment to obtain CEUs.
William Pinch
Bill is currently an industry consultant for chassis and suspension systems and components. He is retired from General Motors Company where he held the position of Global Suspension Subsystem Leader in the Chassis Group. He has also held the position of Engineering Group Manager for Steering, Suspension and Structures. Bill has extensive experience with passenger cars, light trucks and off-road vehicles. Previously, he worked for AMC/Jeep/Renault as a Senior Steering and Suspension Design Engineer. Bill holds a B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering and M.S.E. in Materials, Properties and Processes from the University of Michigan.
