Kinematic and Structural Analysis of Independent type suspension system with Anti-Roll bar for Formula Student Vehicle

Abstract

This study involves the development of a Suspension system for FSAE vehicles participating in the Combustion Category. The front setup is also introduced with a bar-type Anti-Roll Bar (ARB) to manipulate the Understeer and Oversteer response of the vehicle. The initial parametric study was performed with an iterative approach in the spreadsheet. Race-cars also have stiffer suspension i.e.; the ride frequency is above 2 Hz; the reason being that the driver does strict maneuvering on the race track. FSAE vehicles have ARB's for better cornering performance and to manipulate the response of the vehicle mainly understeer and oversteer suiting to the driver. Another advantage is the limitation of camber gain caused by the body roll as it improves the traction. Further, the Kinematic study of all the components in the system was analyzed through IPG Kinematic Software. The focus was made on the variation of Camber Angle, Steer Angle, Track Change, and Roll Angle with and without the ARB incorporation. The calculation for the selection of different bearings is also performed. Considering the previous vehicles and the new design goals, parametrizing of the vehicle is also performed. The overhang of the vehicle plays an important factor in the longitudinal load transfer during the braking and acceleration. Forces experienced by all the components were also extracted from the software. This data is then used as the input parameter for Structural Simulation on CAE platform ANSYS. Material properties of Aluminum 6061 T-6 are used for the Bell Cranks and carbon Steel is used for ARB setup. Static structural simulation is performed on the Front Rocker, Upright and Hub. Specific torsional simulation is done on the ARB considering the axial offset position of the support bearing and the loading point on the blade.