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Vehicle Suspension

Presented by
Chirag S shetty
5𝑡ℎ sem
Mechatronics
Roll no:07
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Contents

1. Introduction to suspension system

2. Functions of suspension system
3. Requirements of suspension system
4. Elements of suspension system
5. Springs
6. Dampers(or shock absorbers)
7. Struts
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Introduction to Suspension System
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The suspension system of an automobile is one which

separates the wheel or axle assembly from the body.
The primary function of the suspension system is to isolate the
vehicle structure from shocks and vibration due to irregularities
of the road surface.
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Function of suspension system

 To prevent the road shocks from being transmitted to the

vehicle frame.
 To preserve the stability of the vehicle.
 To safeguard the occupants from road shocks.
 To provide good road holding while driving, cornering and
braking.
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Requirements of a suspension system
 Low initial cost.
 Minimum weight.
 Minimum tire wear.
 Minimum deflection.
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Elements of suspension system

There are mainly 3 components in Suspension

 Spring
 Damper(Shock absorber)
 Struts
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Springs
 It absorbs road shocks or impacts due to bump in road by oscillating.
 Spring store the energy due to the sudden force which comes when vehicle
encounters a bump or a ditch . This energy is released subsequently and with the
action of damper, the energy is converted into heat and bounce is avoided.

 Springs used for suspension system should absorb road shocks quickly and
return to the original position slowly.
Types of springs

1. Leaf spring
2. Coil spring
3. Torsion bars
4. Gas spring
5. Rubber spring
1. Leaf spring
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 Referred to as Laminated springs since they use steel strips or lamination one

over the other with reducing length.

 Leaf strips are made from strips of spring steel .
 Each strip is called a leaf. They are joined together by clamps and a
central bolt.
 This spring is mounted on the axle by the U bolt.
 These spring are noisy and does not used where luxuriousness is
necessary.
2.Coil spring
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A section of Spring steel rod wound in a spiral pattern
or shape.
Widely used in both Front and Rear suspension
systems.
 Like large metal bed springs, these coils cushion and
absorb the shocks and bumps as the vehicle is driven.
These spring do not have noise problems but they does
not take torque reaction and side thrust for which
alternative arrangement have to be provided.
3. Torsion bars
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It is simply a rod which acting under the torsion and taking shear
stresses. It is often used with independent suspension.
 One end of the bar is fixed to the frame and the other end is fixed to the
end of the wheel arm and supported in the bearing. The other end of the
wheel arm is connected to the wheel hub. When the wheel strikes a
bump, it start vibrating up and down, thus torque on the torsion bar start
acting as a springs.
4.Gas spring
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 A gas spring is a type of spring that, similar to a typical

mechanical spring that relies on elastic deformation,
uses compressed gas contained within an enclosed cylinder sealed
by a sliding piston to pneumatically store potential energy and
withstand external force applied parallel to the direction of the
piston shaft.
5.Rubber spring
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 The rubber springs are used in suspension because it saves

greater energy per unit weight than the steel.
 So rubber springs are more compact than other springs. The
main advantage of using rubber spring is that it does not
suddenly fail like steel so there is less risk. And also has
excellent vibration damping property.
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 Shock absorbers are typically used on vehicles with standard

suspension systems.
 They provide resistance by pushing hydraulic fluid through the
piston’s valves as it moves. This eases the springs' movement as they
compress and decompress while the car is moving.
 Shock absorbers are necessary for a comfortable ride. They ensure
all the tires are in contact with the road for better control and
stability.
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Struts
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 Struts act as a shock absorber, as they dampen

the movement of the springs while they
compress and extend.
 Also, struts provide structural support to the
car's suspension system. They support the springs
and keep the tire in the proper position. Struts
also affect the brakes, steering, and tire wear.
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