Hardpoint correlation analysis and optimal design for front suspension of a Formula SAE car

Abstract

The performance and kinetic characteristic of a suspension are closely related to the handling stability, comfort ability, and handling of the steering of a Formula SAE car. We build and analyse a simulation model of a double wishbone front suspension based on multi-body dynamics and suspension kinematic theory. From the correlation theory, the correlation of the hardpoints of the suspension is studied and discussed. From all the tests conducted, variations in the wheel alignment parameter are obtained. The optimal suspension is designed and analysed using the correlation of the hardpoints. The rational design of the hardpoints can provide a useful reference for vehicle design.

Keywords:

• Formula SAE car
• double wishbone suspension
• correlation theory
• simulation model

Additional information

Notes on contributors

X Liu

Xintian Liu is pursuing his PhD at University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, China. His research area is focused on vehicle system dynamics and reliability design theory. He is currently working as an associate professor of vehicle engineering at Shanghai University of Engineering Science, China, since 2007. He received his Masters degree in vehicle engineering from Shanghai Jiaotong University, China, in 2007.

M Wang

Minlong Wang is pursuing his Masters degree at Shanghai University of Engineering Science. His research area is focused on vehicle system dynamics and reliability design theory.

X Wang

Xiaolan Wang is currently working as a lecturer of vehicle engineering at Shanghai University of Engineering Science since 2012. Her research area is focused on vehicle system dynamics. She received her PhD and MS in vehicle operation engineering from Jilin University, China, in 2012 and 2009 respectively.

C Li

ChuanChang Li is currently working as an engineer of vehicle engineering at Shanghai University of Engineering Science since 2010. His research area is focused on vehicle system dynamics. He received his MS in vehicle engineering from Shanghai University of Engineering Science in 2010.

H Guo

Hui Guo is currently working as an associate professor of vehicle engineering at Shanghai University of Engineering Science. His research area is focused on automotive vibration and noise control. He received his PhD in power machinery and engineering and MS in vehicle engineering from University of Shanghai for Science and Technology in 2012 and 2006 respectively.

J Luo

Jiao Luo is currently working as a lecturer of automotive service engineering in Shanghai University of Engineering Science. Her research area is focused on automotive logistics and automotive marketing. She received her MBA and MPA from Missouri State University in 2008 and 2009 respectively.