This paper proposes a modeling technique which is able to not only reliably and easily represent the wheel rate but also analyze the suspension characteristics. The flexible body model of the leaf spring is developed by interfacing the finite element ...
This paper proposes a modeling technique which is able to not only reliably and easily represent the wheel rate but also analyze the suspension characteristics. The flexible body model of the leaf spring is developed by interfacing the finite element model and computation model of the leaf spring. The SPMD test of the vehicle is conducted for the validation of the reliability of the flexible body model of the leaf spring developed in this paper. The SPMD test is started at an constraint state of frame using the jig with the excitation amplitude of 1-2㎜/sec. The simulation is conducted with the same condition as the SPMD test. Then, the simulations are conducted with bump mode and roll mode. The diagram of wheel rate and wheel alignment from the SPMD test is compared with the ones from the simulation for the validation of the reliability of the model. The flexible body of the leaf spring is compared with the rigid body of the leaf spring. The sensitivity analysis of the front suspension and steering system is also conducted with the developed flexible body model under a bump mode of K&C analysis.