AUTOMOBILE SUSPENSION

Automobile Engineering, Unit – IV

Ankush R Dawand
Lecturer Mechanical

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FUNCTION OF THE SUSPENSION
SYSTEM
 The primary function is to isolate the structure, so
far as is practicable, from shock loading and
vibration due to irregularities of the road surface.
 Secondly, it must do this without impairing the
stability, steering or general handling qualities of
the vehicle.
 The primary requirement is met by the use of
flexible elements and dampers,
 While the second is achieved by controlling, by
the use of mechanical linkages, the relative
motions between the unsprung masses – wheel-
and-axle assemblies – and the sprung mass. 2
Maintain correct vehicle ride height
Reduce the effect of shock forces
Maintain correct wheel alignment
Support vehicle weight
Keep the tires in contact with the road
Control the vehicle's direction of travel

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BASIC TERMS RELATED WITH
SUSPENSION SYSTEM:
Jounce:-The upward suspension travel that compresses the
spring and shock absorber is called the jounce,
or compression.
Rebound:-The downward travel of the tire and wheel that
extends the spring and shock absorber is called rebound,
or extension.
Sprung :-Sprung weight is the total weight of all components
in a vehicle that are dampened by the springs and shocks like
the wheels and other closely associated equipment.
Un-sprung Weight:- Un-sprung weight is the total weight of all
components in a vehicle that are not dampened by the springs
and shocks like the wheels and other closely associated
equipment. 4
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Elasticity:- Elasticity is the ability of a body to
resist a distorting influence and to return to its
original size and shape when that influence or
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force is removed.
LEAF SPRINGS
• Leaf spring: two types of leaf springs are
there “single” and “multiple leaf”.
• This type of spring consists of several layers
of metal (called "leaves") bound together to
act as a single unit. Leaf springs were first
used on horse-drawn carriages and were
found on most American automobiles until
1985. They are still used today on most
trucks and heavy-duty vehicles.
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LEAF SPRINGS
TYPES OF LEAF SPRINGS

Full elliptical Semi elliptical

TYPES OF LEAF SPRINGS
FUNCTION AND REQUIREMENT OF
INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION SYSTEM

• 1. Keeps the vehicle balanced while it is

traveling in turning and straight path.
• 2. Tilts the vehicle into a curve during cornering.
• 3. Reduces acceleration experienced by the
driver Always maintains vehicle stability
• 4. To provide good ride and handling
performance.
• 5. Vertical compliance providing chassis
isolation.
• 6. Very little tire load fluctuation.
• 7. To ensure that steering control is maintained
during manoeuvring.
• 8. Wheels to be maintained in the proper
position with respect to road surface.
• 9. To ensure that the vehicle responds
favourably to control forces produced by the
tires during:-
a. Longitudinal braking b. Accelerating forces,
ADVANTAGE OF FRONT WHEEL
INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION

• Low unsprung weight.

• Softer suspension compared to rigid type.
• Better ride quality.
• Improved vehicle stability.
• Overcomes the ill-effect on steering
geometry.
• More space to accommodate the engine.
SHOCK ABSORBER

A shock absorber or damper is a

mechanical or hydraulic device designed to
absorb and damp shock impulses. It does
this by converting the kinetic energy of
the shock into another form of energy
(typically heat) which is then dissipated .
TYPES OF SHOCK ABSORBER

• Basic twin-tube. ...

• Twin-tube gas charged. ...
• Position sensitive damping. ...
• Acceleration sensitive damping. ...
• Coilover.
HYDRAULIC SHOCK ABSORBERS

• All hydraulic shock absorbers work by the

principle of converting kinetic energy
(movement) into thermic energy (heat). For
that purpose, fluid in the shock absorber is
forced to flow through restricted outlets and
valve systems, thus generating hydraulic
resistance.
Working of Telescopic Shock Absorber :
When a vehicle come across the bump, the bottom eye is
moved upward, then the fluid below the piston must be
displaced to the top side of the piston.
The fluid will now pass through the outer ring of hole in the
piston by lifting the top disc against the disc spring. But the
volume above the piston is less due to piston rod.
As such, fluid from the bottom of the piston will also get
displaced through inner ring of holes in the foot value & enter
the reservoir space between the cylinder & outer tube .
So, the fluid level in the reservoir space will rise, The pressure
set up in the system will depend upon the size of the passage
open by valve in the piston & foot value.
 This will depend on the square of speed at which
the cylinder is moved upward. When the cylinders
moves downward, fluid will be displaced from the
upper end of the cylinder to lower end though the
inner ring of hole in the piston by opening the lower
disc valve against coil spring.
 Because of the volume of the piston rod that leaves
the cylinder, the fluid will be drawn into the lower
end of the cylinder from the reservoir space through
the outer ring of hole in the foot valve. This passing
of fluid through opening provide damping.
Gas filled shock absorber