Synthesis and simulation of a multi-link suspension mechanism

Abstract: This paper deals with the dimensional synthesis and simulation of a multilink suspension mechanism. In particular, an optimal dimensional synthesis of a five-link suspension mechanism in terms of lengths of the five links and positions of the ten spherical joints, which are installed on the vehicle chassis and wheel carrier, is presented. This optimization has been carried out by using the Matlab Optimization Toolbox with the aim to obtain a body motion of the wheel carrier with respect to the vehicle chassis as close as possible to a vertical translation. In order to test the kinematic performances according to the design specifications, the position analysis of the synthesized five-link suspension mechanism is formulated and suitable three-dimensional simulations obtained through the ADAMS software are shown. Finally, sketches of McPherson rear suspension mechanisms are reported to extend this synthesis method.