Search Results

Twist-beam suspensions are an example of design solution presenting acceptable performance when applied to passenger cars & light vehicles and it can provide an optimal between cost & performance in the automotive market. For these reasons, twist beam is quite popular in use in rear suspension of light vehicles. In contrary to other types of suspension, the twist-beam has a flexible torsion beam connecting the swing arms. The study of the deformation of this flexible element becomes important to understand its performance and durability behavior. As the name signifies, twist beam major performance attribute is control of twist or opposite wheel travel arising from vehicle roll or road input. Current approach for the study this deformation is through FEA & Multi-body dynamics software tools.

In case of design of passenger vehicles, one of the priorities is how the dynamics behavior shall be perceived by the vehicle occupants. One of many such handling parameters is the vehicle body roll, which is usually quantified by the vehicle's Steady State Roll Gradient. This number gives an indication of the rotation of the vehicle body in response to unit lateral force acting on the vehicle, as in the case of cornering. However it does not necessarily indicate the roll as sensed by a person seated inside it. A study showed that the subjective feel is not entirely dependent on roll gradient. In some cases the occupant may feel more confident and comfortable in a vehicle with a relatively higher roll gradient, or vice versa. In such cases, designing for roll gradient alone may not serve the purpose of secure and comfortable feel. To account for this discrepancy, a study was carried out to quantify the motion felt by the occupant.

In today's competitive scenario in automotive industry, the customer expectations about refinement levels are becoming independent of the class & cost of the car. Customers directly co-relate the quality of the vehicle to the overall refinement levels. At the same time there are ever increasing & hard pressing demands to achieve refinement targets in minimum possible cost. One of the parameter for vehicle refinement is reduction of BSR (Buzz, Squeak & Rattle). It is observed that after suppressing the mechanical rattles, fluid borne noise surface out. In all fluid borne noise, hydraulic power steering system rattle noise is one of the critical refinement issues, having high ranking on customer irritant list. Noise attenuation cables [1] in power steering hydraulic hose assemblies in pressure & return line is a proven solution to this problem but not a cost effective one.