Assessing suspension

Mechanical engineers at

have demonstrated a new method for analysing the components of automotive suspension systems in work aimed at improving the performance, reducing the weight and increasing the durability of suspensions.

The researchers have shown that their method can be used to show precisely how a part's performance is changed by damage and also how its changing performance affects other parts in the suspension.

Findings are detailed in a paper being presented today during the International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition in Orlando, Florida.

The approach represents a potential change in how automotive suspension systems will be designed in the future, said Douglas E. Adams, an associate professor of mechanical engineering who is leading the research.

"The way it's done now is that each of the parts making up the suspension are manufactured to be as rugged as possible," Adams said. "Usually, different suppliers provide the different components, and what they do as good suppliers is optimise the strength and durability of their component.