Dynamic analysis of the multi-link five-point suspension system using point and joint coordinates

Summary In this paper the transient dynamic analysis of a quarter car model with a multi-link five-point suspension is presented. The equations of motion are formulated using a two step transformation. Initially, the formulation is written in terms of a dynamically equivalent system of particles. The equations of motion are then transformed to the relative joint variables. For open chains, this process automatically eliminates all of the non-working constraint forces and leads to an efficient solution and integration of the equations of motion. For closed chains, suitable joints should be cut and few cut joints constraint equations should be included for each closed chain. The model includes four closed chains together with the necessary elements such as the leaf springs and shock absorbers. The tire is modelled simply by a spring-damper element that imposes constraint forces on the motion of the system. The results of the, simulation indicate the simplicity and generality of the dynamic formulation.