Design and Kinematics Analysis of Suspension System for a Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) Car

Abstract

The main objective of the Suspension of a vehicle is to maximize the contact between the vehicle tires and the road surface, provide steering stability and provide safe vehicle control in all conditions, evenly support the weight of the vehicle, transfer the loads to springs, and guaranteeing the comfort of the driver by absorbing and dampening shock. This paper discusses the kinematic design of a double a-arm Suspension system for an FSAE Vehicle. The hardpoint’s location can be determined using this procedure to simulate motion in any kinematic simulation software. Here, Optimum Kinematics is used as kinematic simulation software, and the results are verified using Msc Adams simulation. The method illustrated deals with the basics of Kinematics which helps to predict the characteristics of the Suspension even before simulating it in the kinematic simulation software.