6
Principles
The suspension system
As ”supporting” components of the
suspension system, the suspension elements
form the connection between the wheel
suspension and the bodywork. This system is
complemented by the spring action of the
tyres and vehicle seats.
The suspension elements include steel
springs, gas/air and rubber/elastomers or
combinations of the above.
Steel spring suspensions have become well
established in passenger vehicles. Steel
springs are available in a wide variety of
designs, of which the coil spring has become
the most widespread.
Air suspension, which has been used for
many years in heavy goods vehicles, is
finding increasing application in passenger
vehicles due to its system-related
advantages.
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In the case of the passenger vehicle we can
differentiate between
sprung masses
(body
with drive train and parts of the running gear)
and
unsprung masses
(the wheels, brakes
and parts of the running gear and the axle
shafts).
As a result of the suspension system, the
vehicle forms an oscillatory unit with a
natural frequency of the bodywork
determined by the sprung masses and the
matching of the suspension system (see
”Vibration” chapter).
Sprung mass
Unsprung mass
Suspension element
Suspension element
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