This article presents a simulation study into effects of compliant (flexible) components
(such as the engine subframe and the lower control arm) and their deflections on the characteristics
of a vehicle experiencing steering drift during straight-line braking. The vehicle front and
rear suspension are modelled using multi-body dynamic analysis software. The front suspension
model represents theMacPherson strut design of the vehicle and includes a rack and pinion steering
system, brake system, engine subframe, and a powertrain unit. The model has been analysed
under two steering control methods: fixed and free control. Suspension characteristics and the
effect of deflections arising from the subframe and the lower control arm on these suspension
characteristics have been analysed.
The simulations confirmed that variation of component stiffness and interactions within components
give rise to side-to-side deflections that could affect lateral drift during braking. It is
concluded that side-to-side variation of suspension characteristics can have a detrimental effect
on lateral drift during braking and that compliant components whose stiffness varies from side
to side can cause different side-to-side deflections that can induce and influence variation in
suspension characteristics such as toe steer angle that can lead the vehicle during braking.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BRADFORD/oai:bradscholars.brad.ac.uk:10454/2610 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Mirza, N., Hussain, Khalid, Day, Andrew J., Klaps, J. |
| Source Sets | Bradford Scholars |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Article, Published version |
| Rights | © 2005 IMechE. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
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