Development of a driving dynamics-oriented suspension design during the early concept phase

During the initial phase of concept development, the goals for suspension design are generally limited to achieving certain kinematic and elasto-kinematic characteristic curves. The evaluation of the resultant vehicle dynamics characteristics generally takes place at a later stage. The tools as well as tool chains, which are typically used for evaluating the influence of suspension parameters on driving dynamics, are expensive in terms of time, required effort and computing power. Also nonconformity with desired goals at a later stage may result in additional investment of time and effort in large magnitudes for the corrective measures leading to an unnecessary prolongation in the development process. Thus, being able to directly evaluate the influences of suspension kinematics on vehicle dynamics during concept phase, and optimise either the suspension characteristics or suspension parameters based on the vehicle dynamics requirements would result in a shorter and more cost effective development process.