Side force analysis of suspension strut under various load cases

Abstract

This paper presents the side forces extraction of a Macpherson suspension strut under extreme load cases using multibody dynamics model. Inevitable side forces subjected to the Macpherson suspension system during vehicle driving cause the damper rod and top mounting failure. Bending moment generated could increase the friction of damper piston and inner tube and simultaneously decrease the ride comfort of the vehicle, or in a more severe condition, failure occurs. In this study, the side forces magnitude subjected to the Macpherson strut under various severe load events were obtained through a quasi-static multibody dynamics half vehicle model simulation. Outcomes of the multibody simulation that showing the forces exerted on the suspension Macpherson strut were derived into three axes which were vertical, lateral and longitudinal. The lateral and longitudinal side forces on the strut were highest during the pothole striking event which achieved 11052 N. The extracted force provided useful information for suspension linkages design and damper friction analysis to prevent failure.