Suspension | How it Works

Donut
15 Aug 201813:04
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script delves into the world of vehicle suspension systems, exploring their importance and the various types available. It humorously begins with a reference to the song 'Bounce With Me' by Lil' Bow Wow, before contrasting the fun concept of bouncing in music with the less desirable bouncing in vehicle suspensions. The script explains the purpose of a car's suspension, which is to maximize tire-road friction, ensure steering stability, and provide passenger comfort. It then takes a scientific approach, referencing Newton's Laws of Motion to describe how suspensions work to absorb and dissipate the energy caused by road imperfections. The video outlines the three fundamental components of any suspension system: springs, dampers, and anti-sway bars. It also covers different types of springs, such as leaf springs, torsion bars, and coil springs, and discusses the role of shock absorbers and struts in controlling vehicle motion. The script further explains the concepts of road isolation, cornering, and road holding, and touches on various suspension designs like the MacPherson strut and double wishbone suspension. It concludes with a brief mention of a sponsorship by Bombfell, a clothing service for men, and an invitation to follow the channel for more content.

Takeaways
  • 🎶 The song 'Bounce With Me' by Lil' Bow Wow is mentioned to introduce the concept of 'bouncing', which is a central theme in the video.
  • 🚫 Bouncing is undesirable in the context of vehicle suspensions, which are critical for safe and comfortable driving.
  • 🔍 There are numerous types of suspension systems, some of which are literal, like vehicle suspensions, and others metaphorical, like the suspension of disbelief.
  • 🚗 Vehicle suspensions are essential for maintaining tire contact with the road, steering stability, and passenger comfort.
  • 🛠️ The basic function of a car suspension is to maximize friction between tires and the road while providing a smooth ride and handling.
  • 🚦 Newton's Laws of Motion are applied in understanding how suspensions work, particularly in terms of force magnitude and direction.
  • 🔢 Vehicle dynamics involves the study of forces acting on a moving car, including ride (smoothness over bumps), handling (safe acceleration, braking, and cornering), and principles like road isolation, cornering, and road holding.
  • 🔨 The three fundamental components of any suspension system are springs, dampers (shock absorbers), and anti-sway bars.
  • 🍂 Different types of springs like leaf springs, torsion bars, and coil springs are used in various vehicles for their specific benefits.
  • 💡 Dampers are necessary to dissipate energy from the springs and control the speed of the sprung mass, with modern dampers being velocity sensitive to adjust to road conditions.
  • 🌟 Struts combine the functions of dampers and provide structural support, with the MacPherson strut being a common design in many vehicles.
  • ⚙️ Double wishbone or A-arm suspensions offer more control and are often used in larger cars for better handling and steering feel.
Q & A

  • What is the primary purpose of a vehicle's suspension system?

    -The primary purpose of a vehicle's suspension system is to maximize the friction between the tires and the road surface during acceleration, cruising, and braking, provide steering stability with good handling, and ensure the comfort of the passengers.

  • What is Newton's Law of Motion and how does it relate to vehicle suspension?

    -Newton's Law of Motion states that forces have both magnitude and direction. In the context of vehicle suspension, a bump in the road causes the wheel to move up and down, perpendicular to the road surface. The magnitude of the force depends on the size of the bump, and this force causes the wheel to experience a vertical acceleration.

  • What is the role of springs in a vehicle's suspension system?

    -Springs in a vehicle's suspension system are used to absorb the energy from the vertically accelerated wheel, allowing the frame and body to ride undisturbed while the wheels follow the bumps in the road.

  • What are the three fundamental components of any suspension system?

    -The three fundamental components of any suspension system are springs, dampers (such as shock absorbers or struts), and anti-sway bars.

  • How do dampers help in a vehicle's suspension system?

    -Dampers, such as shock absorbers, help to slow down and reduce the magnitude of vibratory motion by converting the kinetic energy of suspension movement into heat energy that can be dissipated through hydraulic fluid.

  • What is the difference between a dependent and an independent suspension system?

    -A dependent suspension system uses a rigid axle that binds the wheels together, while an independent suspension system allows each wheel to move independently. Independent systems generally offer better handling and ride comfort.

  • What is the MacPherson strut and why is it commonly used?

    -The MacPherson strut is a type of suspension strut invented by Earle S. MacPherson. It consists of a single control arm in a strut assembly that allows the tire and wheel to move upward and downward. It's commonly used because it reduces the number of parts, lowers unsprung mass, and provides smooth driving comfort. It's also compact and cost-effective.

  • What is the function of anti-sway bars in a vehicle's suspension system?

    -Anti-sway bars, also known as stabilizer bars or sway bars, are metal rods that span the entire axle and effectively join each side of the suspension together. They work with shock absorbers or struts to provide additional stability to a moving vehicle, reducing body roll during cornering.

  • What are the two main types of springs used in vehicle suspensions?

    -The two main types of springs used in vehicle suspensions are leaf springs, which are several layers of metal bound together, and coil springs, which are heavy-duty torsion bars coiled around an axis.

  • What is the term 'sprung mass' in the context of vehicle suspension?

    -Sprung mass refers to anything above the springs and supported by them on the vehicle. It includes the vehicle's frame and body, which are the parts that the suspension system is designed to keep stable and comfortable for passengers.

  • How do shock absorbers work in controlling the motion of a vehicle's suspension?

    -Shock absorbers work by controlling the speed at which the vehicle's weight is transferred during movement. They have two cycles: the compression cycle when the piston moves down, and the extension cycle when the piston moves up. Modern shock absorbers are velocity sensitive, providing more resistance the faster the suspension moves, thus adapting to road conditions and controlling unwanted motion.

  • What is the difference between a double wishbone suspension and a MacPherson strut?

    -A double wishbone suspension, also known as an A-arm suspension, typically uses two wishbone-shaped arms to balance the wheel and allows for more control over the camber angle of the wheel. It helps minimize roll and sway and provides a more consistent steering feel, often used on larger cars. A MacPherson strut, on the other hand, is a simpler design that combines the shock absorber with the spring, reducing the number of parts and space required, and is commonly used in front suspensions of front-wheel drive vehicles.

Outlines
00:00
🚗 The Basics of Vehicle Suspensions

This section introduces the concept of vehicle suspensions, beginning with a playful comparison to the notion of 'bouncing' in a hip-hop song. The narrator humorously dismisses the literal count of suspension types, opting instead to focus on the general variety, including metaphorical and mechanical suspensions. Key points include the vital role of the suspension system in maximizing tire-road contact, ensuring vehicle stability, and providing passenger comfort. The narrator explains the basic mechanics of how suspensions mitigate the impact of road imperfections, emphasizing the interplay of force, direction, and vehicle dynamics. The segment concludes with a light-hearted dig at those who might nitpick the content, setting a casual tone for the discussion on suspensions.

05:01
🔧 Types of Springs and Dampers in Vehicle Suspensions

This paragraph explores various types of springs and dampers that form the core of vehicle suspension systems. It details leaf springs, torsion bars, and coil springs, each suited to different vehicle needs and characteristics. The explanation extends to the functioning of shock absorbers and struts, essential for controlling the energy transfer and dampening the vibrations caused by road irregularities. Special attention is given to the MacPherson strut for its widespread use due to simplicity and efficiency. This detailed overview helps understand how different components work individually and in concert to affect vehicle handling, stability, and comfort.

10:01
🛠️ Rear Suspension Systems and Their Configuration

The final paragraph delves into rear suspension systems, differentiating between dependent and independent configurations. It explains how leaf and coil springs function in these setups and the role of shock absorbers in enhancing vehicle performance. The narrator briefly touches on independent rear suspensions, highlighting their benefit in terms of individual wheel mounting which leads to better overall vehicle dynamics. The segment is rounded off with a playful mention of a clothing sponsorship, connecting everyday life with the technical content, and encouraging viewer interaction with the channel.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Suspension
Suspension refers to the system of components in a vehicle that connects the wheels to the frame or body of the car. It is crucial for maintaining control and comfort while driving. In the video, it is explained that suspensions are designed to maximize friction between tires and the road, provide steering stability, and ensure passenger comfort. The video also humorously mentions that suspension is bad when it comes to being suspended from work.
💡Vehicle Dynamics
Vehicle dynamics is the study of the forces at work on a moving car, particularly how it behaves in motion. It includes the interaction of the suspension, tires, and other components to maintain control and stability. The video emphasizes the importance of vehicle dynamics in absorbing the energy from a bump and allowing the wheels to follow the road's surface without disturbing the car's body.
💡Springs
Springs are a critical component of a vehicle's suspension system, designed to absorb and store energy from road bumps and then release it to maintain contact with the road. The video discusses different types of springs, such as leaf springs, torsion bars, and coil springs, and how they affect the vehicle's ride and handling characteristics.
💡Dampers
Dampers, also known as shock absorbers, are used in conjunction with springs to control the oscillations and dampen the energy from road imperfections. They convert the kinetic energy of the suspension movement into heat, which is then dissipated. The video explains that dampers are essential for slowing down the spring's movement and preventing bounce, ensuring a smooth ride.
💡Anti-Sway Bars
Anti-sway bars, also known as stabilizer bars or sway bars, are components of a car's suspension that resist body roll during fast cornering or sharp maneuvers. They are metal rods that connect the left and right wheels together, helping to keep the car stable. The video humorously refers to them as 'bars that hate former MTV News reporter, Sway' before clarifying their actual function.
💡MacPherson Strut
The MacPherson strut is a type of independent suspension system that combines the shock absorber and coil spring into a single unit. It is named after its inventor, Earle S. MacPherson. The video highlights the MacPherson strut for its simplicity, compactness, and common use in front suspensions of front-wheel-drive vehicles.
💡Double Wishbone Suspension
Double wishbone suspension, also known as A-arm suspension, is a type of independent suspension that uses two wishbone-shaped arms to balance the wheel. It allows for more precise control over the wheel's camber angle and helps to minimize roll and sway. The video mentions that this type of suspension is common on larger cars for its consistent steering feel and control.
💡Leaf Spring
A leaf spring is a type of spring made up of several layers of metal bound together, used in the suspension of heavier vehicles like trucks. The video notes that leaf springs have been less common in US cars since the 1980s, but they still find use in certain applications where their durability and load-bearing capacity are needed.
💡Torsion Bar
A torsion bar is a type of spring used in some vehicles, where one end is anchored to the vehicle frame and the other end is attached to a wishbone. When the wheel hits a bump, the torsion bar twists along its axis to provide the necessary spring force. The video points out that torsion bars are more common in European cars.
💡Unsprung Mass
Unsprung mass refers to the mass of a vehicle's components that are not supported by the suspension, such as the wheels and brakes. The video explains that minimizing unsprung mass can improve a vehicle's handling and ride quality. It humorously mentions that 'Unsprung Mass' was the speaker's nickname in college.
💡Ride and Handling
Ride and handling are two perspectives from which auto engineers approach vehicle suspension design. Ride refers to a car's ability to smooth out a bumpy road, while handling is about the car's ability to safely accelerate, brake, and corner. The video discusses these principles in the context of road isolation, cornering, and road holding, which are all aspects of a vehicle's interaction with the road.
Highlights

The concept of bouncing is explored in the song 'Bounce With Me' by Lil' Bow Wow

There are many different types of suspension, including work suspensions, suspension of disbelief, and vehicle suspensions

Vehicle suspensions are crucial for maximizing tire-road friction, providing steering stability, and ensuring passenger comfort

Suspension systems need to handle forces from bumps in the road through vertical acceleration and energy transfer

Newton's Law of Motion is applied to understand how suspensions deal with the forces from road imperfections

The goal of a suspension is to absorb energy from bumps while allowing wheels to maintain contact with the road

Vehicle dynamics involves studying the forces acting on a moving car, including ride, handling, road isolation, cornering, and road holding

Suspension systems must manage weight transfer during braking (dive) and acceleration (squat) to maintain stability

The three fundamental components of a suspension system are springs, dampers (shock absorbers), and anti-sway bars

Leaf springs, torsion bars, and coil springs are the main types of springs used in vehicle suspensions

Spring stiffness affects a vehicle's response to bumps and its susceptibility to dive, squat, and body roll

Dampers like shock absorbers convert the kinetic energy of suspension movement into heat energy to dissipate vibrations

Struts combine the dampening function of shock absorbers with structural support for the vehicle's suspension

MacPherson struts are a common type of strut used in front suspensions of front-wheel drive vehicles

Double wishbone or A-arm suspensions provide more control over wheel camber angle and reduce roll and sway

Dependent rear suspensions use a solid axle connected to both rear wheels, with leaf springs or coil springs

Independent rear suspensions mount and spring each rear wheel individually for better handling and stability

The principles of front independent suspensions can be applied to the rear, with simplified versions for non-steering rear wheels

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Vehicle DynamicsSuspension SystemsCar SuspensionRide ComfortHandling StabilityAuto EngineeringSpringsDampersStrutsMacPhersonDouble Wishbone