Title: An analysis of the multi-link independent suspension system

Authors: D.M.A. Lee, D.M. Pascoe, W.H. ElMaraghy

Addresses: The University of Western Ontario, Department of Mechanical Engineering, London, Ontario, Canada. ' Universe Engineering, Markham, Ontario, Canada. ' The University of Western Ontario, Department of Mechanical Engineering, London, Ontario, Canada

Abstract: The most prevalent type of suspension found in most high performance vehicles has been the double wishbone suspension. Expanding upon the idea of the wishbone types, this paper deals with the analysis of the multi-link (five-link) independent suspension system which is adopted by the automotive industry in some high performance vehicles. The multi-link suspension is similar in construction to the double wishbone; however, the upper (and lower) control arms are divided into four distinct links. This allows variations to be made in the suspension parameters so that certain stability criteria can be satisfied. The analysis uses an approximation for the solution of the kinematics problem involving stepwise linearisation of the rigid body motion. The various suspension parameters for the multi-link have also been analytically calculated and presented in complete form. A brief introduction to the multi-link suspension is provided and a discussion of the effectiveness of the suspension design is presented at the conclusion. The theoretical development presented has been implemented on a PC-based CAD software package.

Keywords: anti-lift; anti-squat; camber; caster offset; kinematics; kingpin; pitch centre; roll centre; steering offset; multi-link independent suspension; toe; wheel travel; high performance vehicles; kinematic analysis; CAD; suspension design; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1993.061824

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1993 Vol.14 No.1, pp.44 - 58

Published online: 28 May 2014 *

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