AUTOMOBILE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Automobile suspension system provides stability, comfort and control by absorbing shocks and vibration from the road surface.

There are several types of automobile suspension systems and they are as follows; dependent, independent, semi-independent, air, hydraulic and electronic suspension systems.

Dependent suspension systems uses a live axle , where a single axle connects both wheels causing them  to move together. There are two main types of dependent suspensions; the leaf spring and the coil spring suspensions. Examples of dependent suspension vehicles include ford F-250/F-350 supper duty which uses a live axle with leaf springs in the rear. Jeep wrangler which features a live axle with coil or leaf springs.

Independent suspension systems for an automobile vehicle allow each wheel to move independently thus improving ride quality, handling and stability. Examples of independent automobile suspension system include Mercedes Benz s-class, Audi A4, Jaguar XE, BMW 5-series, Porsche 911, Audi A6 etc.

Semi-independent suspension system is a compromise between dependent and independent suspension system. It provides a degree of independence between the wheels while still maintaining a connection between them. Examples of semi-independent automobile suspension system include Volkswagen polo, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf MK3 etc.

Air suspension system uses air filled bellows or bags instead of traditional coil or leaf springs to support the vehicles weight. Examples of air automobile suspension system includes Mercedes Benz  S Class, Audi A8, BMW 7 series, Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade etc.

Hydraulic suspension system uses hydraulic fluid and cylinders to absorb bumps and provide smooth ride. Examples of automobile hydraulic suspension system include Citroen D8 and XM etc.

Electronic suspension system uses electronics controls and sensors to adjust suspension stiffness, ride, height and damping in real time. Examples of automobile electronic suspension system includes  Mercedes Benz S- Class  with magic body control, Audi A8 with adwptive air suspension, BMW 7 series with adaptive drive, Porsche with Porsche active suspension management (PASM), Ferrari with adaptive suspension systems.

The components of automobile suspension system are as follows; springs ( coil springs, leaf springs and torsion bars), shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushing, stabilizer bars, mounts, sensors and electronic control etc. these components work together to absorb bumps and shocks, maintain vehicle stability and handling, provide smooth ride and support the weight of the vehicle.

The advantages of automobile suspension system are as follows; automobile suspension systems ensure an improved ride quality, enhanced stability and handling, increased comfort and customizable ride height and firmness.

The disadvantages of automobile suspension systems are as follows; automobile suspension system can be very complex to design, maintain and operate. The cost outlay for good suspension system is very expensive compared to the cost of the vehicle. There is a high potential for leaks in the suspension system especially with air and hydraulic suspension system. Suspension systems require frequent replacement and maintenance.

Automobile suspension systems find widespread applications in the automotive industry for the following purposes; automobile suspension systems are used in passenger vehicles, luxury, commercial and off-road vehicles.

The future of automobile suspension systems is based on the advances and development of the following technologies; light weight and durable materials such as aluminum, fiber glass etc. increased use of electronic controls and actuators. Automotive suspension systems specifically designed for self-driving cars and Increased focus on the use of eco-friendly and recyclable materials.

 

SOURCES:

• Vehicle suspension system technology and design by Avesta Goodarzi, Yukun Lu, and Amir Khajepour.
• Car suspension and handling by Geoffrey Howard, John Peter whitehead and Donald Bastow.
• Semi-active suspension control by Emmanuelle Gugielmino, Tudor Sireleanu and Gheorghe Ghita.
• Automotive suspension and steering systems by Don Knowles.
• Vehicle dynamics and suspension systems by Peter E. Pfeffer and Manfred Harrer