A modular approach to the kinematics of the vehicle axle suspension linkages

Abstract

Abstract The work deals with a modular approach on the kinematics of the suspension linkages used for the rear axle of motor vehicles. The multi-body systems theory/method was used to formulate the motion equations for the kinematic analysis, by individually considering the basic binary connections (which are defined by considering the types geometric constraints between the guiding arms/links and the adjacent bodies - car body and axle, respectively) that constitutes the suspension mechanism. Subsequently, by combining these binary connections in various combinations, the kinematic analysis of any type of axle suspension linkage (at least those commonly used) can be easily performed.