Kinematic and dynamic analysis of the McPherson suspension with a planar quarter-car model

• Published in: Vehicle system dynamics Vol. 51; no. 9; pp. 1422 - 1437
• Main Authors: Hurel, Jorge, Mandow, Anthony, García-Cerezo, Alfonso
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester Taylor & Francis 01.09.2013
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Automotive wheels; Dynamic tests; Exact sciences and technology; Machine components; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; McPherson suspension; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Modelling; multibody system; nonlinear model; simulation; Springs and dampers; suspension; Tires; Tyres; Chassis; Wheel; Motor car; Geometrical properties; simulation; nonlinear model; N body system; Modeling; McPherson suspension; modelling; Tyre; Camber angle; Vehicle suspension; Asymmetry; multibody system; Kinematics; Rebound; Developable surface; Non linear effect; Dynamic model; Moment of inertia; Assembly; suspension
• ISSN: 0042-3114; 1744-5159
• DOI: 10.1080/00423114.2013.804937

McPherson suspension modelling poses a challenging problem due to its nonlinear asymmetric behaviour. The paper proposes a planar quarter-car analytical model that not only considers vertical motion of the sprung mass (chassis) but also: (i) rotation and translation for the unsprung mass (wheel assembly), (ii) wheel mass and its inertia moment about the longitudinal axis, and (iii) tyre damping and lateral deflection. This kinematic-dynamic model offers a solution to two important shortcomings of the conventional quarter-car model: it accounts for geometry and for tyre modelling. The paper offers a systematic development of the planar model as well as the complete set of mathematical equations. This analytical model can be suitable for fast computation in hardware-in-the-loop applications. Furthermore, a reproducible Simulink implementation is given. The model has been compared with a realistic Adams/View simulation to analyse dynamic behaviour for the jounce and rebound motion of the wheel and two relevant kinematic parameters: camber angle and track width variation.