Suspension is a type of elastic link that separates the suspended masses (e. g. the chassis, engine, passengers, etc. ) from the unsuspended masses (wheels, brake discs, differential shafts, etc. ) of a vehicle. Each suspension system consists of a set of mechanical joints and assemblies that work together with springs and shock absorbers to control the vertical oscillation of the wheels and the resulting variation in their distance from the suspended main body of the vehicle.
Suspension system parts
Spring
It is the main element of a post. It is a body that, when compressed and changed in shape, stores an amount of mechanical energy and releases it when it returns to its original shape. Each spring has a specific coefficient of stiffness, a number that describes the ratio of the force that deforms the spring to the amount of deformation caused. This coefficient is derived from a set of data such as the modulus of elasticity of the material from which it is made, but also from the way and type of deformation it is subjected to, always in relation to the chosen cross-section of the material in the area of deformation.
Shock absorbers
Vibration dampers, also known as shock absorbers, are designed to dampen the vibrations created by the springs that are annoying to passengers. The principle of operation of the hydraulic damper is based on the fact that, with the movement of the suspension, a small piston is forced to reciprocate in a cylinder filled with fluid. The fluid is pressed and forced through a hole or holes. Because this is not easy, it triggers a reaction force on the movement of the piston, and therefore on the movement of the suspension. That is, what the hydraulic shock absorber does is convert the kinetic energy of the up/down movement of the wheel, into friction between the oil molecules and heat, which is dissipated.
Silent Block (Sineblock)
The various parts of the suspension are connected to the chassis or body and, less frequently, to each other by means of metal-elastic links. Usually, these links comprise two metal sleeves between which an elastic sleeve (rubber bushing) is inserted by special welding. These fasteners, known as 'silent blocks' (also erroneously referred to as 'sine blocks'), are designed to transfer forces between suspended and unsuspended parts of the vehicle flexibly and quietly.
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