Title: Kinetostatic analysis of a beam-axle suspension with Panhard rod restraining linkage

Authors: Q. Yin, I. Stiharu, S. Rakheja

Addresses: Ph.D. Candidate, CONCAVE Research Centre, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve W., Montreal, Quebec H3G IM8, Canada. ' Researcher and Adjunct Professor, CONCAVE Research Centre, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve W., Montreal, Quebec H3G IM8, Canada. ' Professor, CONCAVE Research Centre, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve W., Montreal, Quebec H3G IM8, Canada

Abstract: Kinetostatic response characteristics of a beam-axle suspension comprising a transversal Panhard rod constraint are evaluated as a function of the suspension geometry, vertical load and lateral force arising from a steady turning manoeuvre. A roll plane model of a road vehicle is developed incorporating the kinematic constraint posed by the transverse linkage. The non-linear algebraic equations governing the roll plane kinematic motion are formulated and solved using the Newton iterative techniques. The kinetostatic response characteristics are evaluated in terms of the body roll, effective roll stiffness and variations in the coordinates of the roll centre for various geometric parameters. The coordinates of the suspension roll centre and sprung mass cg are determined from the algebraic equations developed by vector loop method. The results of the study show that the suspension spring rate and the location and orientation of the Panhard rod influence the kinetostatic roll properties of the suspension in a significant manner, when the vehicle is subiect to vertical and lateral forces.

Keywords: beam axle roll suspension; kinetostatic analysis; Panhard rod geometry; roll centre; roll stiffness; kinematic constraints; vehicle modelling; suspension geometry; vertical load; lateral force; transverse linkage; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1998.062097

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1998 Vol.19 No.1, pp.108 - 123

Published online: 29 May 2014 *

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