Suspension Designs

The design of a suspension needs to accomplish several goals. The suspension must allow for the wheels to move up and down while keeping them aligned with the road. It also must provide a way for the springs to support the car and the shock absorbers to control its motion. Last, the suspension should do this with as little unsprung weight as possible. Unsprung weight is the weight of any of the suspension parts that are not held up by the springs. Wheels, tires, and brakes are all examples of unsprung weight. When the car hits a bump, the momentum of the unsprung weight carries it upward and can only be stopped by the springs and shocks. The force needed to stop the weight is transmitted to the rest of the car through the springs, ...

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