Measuring and Modeling Suspensions of Passenger Vehicles

Bradley E. Heinrichs; Jean-Francois Goulet; Ryan Fix; Mathieu King

doi:10.4271/2013-01-0774

Numerical parameters describing suspension stiffness and damping are required for 3D simulation of vehicle trajectories, but may not be available. This paper outlines a simple, portable method of measuring these properties with a coefficient of variation of 5% on stiffness. 24 of 26 vehicles tested were significantly stiffer in roll than pitch, complicating analyses with models that don't include anti-roll. Suspension parameters did not correlate with static wheel load distribution, and damping coefficient did not correlate with natural frequency.

Computer simulations of the speed required to initiate rollover in an S-curve were highly sensitive to the suspension parameters used. When pre-impact tire marks and rollover distance were considered, the simulations became almost insensitive to suspension parameters.

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Measuring and Modeling Suspensions of Passenger Vehicles 2013-01-0774

SAE MOBILUS