Title: A composite automobile suspension

Authors: L. De Goncourt, K.H. Sayers

Addresses: Engineer and Development Engineer, Lecturer and Fluid Mechanics Division, Benin & Cie, France. ' Engineer and Development Engineer, Lecturer and Fluid Mechanics Division, Benin & Cie, France

Abstract: This paper describes the development and possible application of a new composite suspension system. Firstly, the basic principles of the composite automobile suspension concept are briefly considered. Early development work is then outlined, complemented by a design and laboratory study applied to a current production passenger car front suspension. An application to the front suspension is described. The system was tried out via detailed analysis, laboratory testing and on-the-road experience. Reductions of mass, number of parts, energy content and costs are presented. The paper concludes with a short survey of potential applications of the new suspension.

Keywords: composite suspension; composite springs; front suspension; rear suspension; vehicle suspension; testing; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1987.061201

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1987 Vol.8 No.3, pp.335 - 344

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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