Suspension System

Description

In this book, the reader learns the essential differences to the passenger car through the analysis divided according to assemblies. This gives him the tools to apply the detailed knowledge he has acquired to the design and development of competition vehicles. The chassis determines the driving behaviour and thus the "DNA" of a racing vehicle like no other assembly.  Starting with the tyre - the decisive mechanical component - all the components of the wheel suspension including steering and braking system are presented and discussed. The focus is on the double wishbone and suspension strut axles. The design of wheel suspensions starts with kinematic considerations, leads via component design to considerations of the vehicle dynamics. Ultimately, the maximum forces of the tires in the transverse and circumferential directions are to be exploited while keeping the vehicle controllable. Due to the detailed, in-depth presentation, the work is just as suitable for the interested motorsport enthusiast as it is for the engineer in practice who is dealing with questions relating to racing suspensions. The formula material is prepared in such a way that the book can also be used as a reference work. Preface Greeting Second Edition: Racing Car Technology Handbook: Six Volumes Abbreviations, Formula Symbols and Units Geometric Points Indices Distances in mm Angle in or rad Masses, Weights in kg Forces in N Torques and Moments in Nm Spring Rates (in N/mm) Dimensionless Key Figures Other Sizes Contents 1: Tyres and Wheels 1.1 Terms 1.2 Tyres 1.2.1 Requirements 1.2.2 Basics 1.2.3 Influence on Driving Behaviour 1.2.4 Choosing of Tyres 1.2.5 Tire Data 1.2.6 Types of Tyres 1.2.7 Valve 1.3 Wheels 1.3.1 Requirements 1.3.2 Designation of Wheels 1.3.3 Types of Wheels 1.3.4 Choice of Wheel Size 1.4 Wheel Mounting References 2: Suspension 2.1 Function 2.2 Terms and Kinematic Quantities 2.2.1 Terms 2.2.2 Development Goals 2.3 Parts of the Suspension 2.3.1 Wheel-Carrying Elements 2.3.2 Linkages 2.3.3 Joints 2.3.4 Wheel Bearing 2.3.5 Calculation References 3: Springs and Dampers 3.1 Springs 3.1.1 Function and Choice 3.1.2 Spring Actuation 3.1.3 Spring Calculation 3.2 Damper 3.2.1 Oscillations 3.2.2 Vibration Dampers (Shock Absorbers) 3.3 Stabilisers, Anti-Roll Bars, AE: Sway Bars 3.3.1 Calculation 3.3.2 Design of Anti-Roll Bars 3.3.3 Examples of Anti-Roll Bars References 4: Types of Suspensions 4.1 Suspensions of Passenger Cars 4.2 Racecar Suspensions 4.2.1 Double Wishbone Suspension 4.2.2 Parts of Double Wishbone Axles 4.2.3 McPherson Axle 4.2.4 Beam Axle (Rigid Axle) 4.3 Examples of Race Car Suspensions 4.4 Data References 5: Steering 5.1 Requirements 5.2 Terms 5.2.1 Steer Angle, Ackermann Angle 5.2.2 Parameters of Steering Geometry 5.2.3 Steering Ratio 5.2.4 Steering Assistance 5.3 Steering Shaft 5.4 Steering Gear 5.4.1 Rack-and-Pinion Gear 5.5 Transmitting Device and Axle Bearing 5.6 Shimmy (Vibrations of the Steering System) 5.7 Four-Wheel Steering 5.8 Alternative Steering Systems References 6: Braking System 6.1 General 6.2 Brake System Requirements 6.3 Physical Basics 6.4 Brake Constructions and Arrangements 6.4.1 Drum Brake 6.5 Parameters 6.5.1 Brake Sensitivity and Friction 6.6 Components of Braking Systems 6.7 Brake Installation 6.8 Design Criteria for Braking Systems 6.9 Standards References 7: Comparison Series: Racing 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Development Process 7.3 Development Goals 7.4 Research and Development (R&D) 7.5 Costs 7.6 Environmental Protection 7.7 Technology 7.7.1 Frame and Body 7.7.2 Engine 7.7.3 Power Train 7.7.4 Suspension References Appendix Glossary References Index