ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF SUSPENSION DYNAMIC RESPONSE

Modeling of the various components of the motorcycle-rider-road system in the analysis of motorcycle suspension comfort and performance is described. Analytical techniques used in suspension design are reviewed, and illustrative numerical examples of each approach are presented. The transient response is based on an extensive numerical simulation program, which is highly detailed and models nonlinear suspension elements, travel stops, wheel liftoff, tire-rim bottoming, and large displacements. The sinusoidal response model is based on a six degree-of-freedom vibrational model which is treated through eigenvalue techniques. The high amount of damping present results in complex mode shapes which are most easily visualized by a dynamic visual image through computer graphics. This is especially important due to the phase shift between front and rear response. The random response analysis uses road power spectral density functions and mode shapes to determine random vehicle response and to estimate the amount of suspension travel required. Proper treatment of the excitation phase shift between front and rear wheels is vital in this method. Ride quality performance criteria are discussed in general and in the context of the numerical examples; the criteria relate to both rider comfort and vehicle control. The use of microprocessors, minicomputer systems, and computer graphics in motorcycle design is mentioned, and areas requiring further research are indicated.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Conference held in Washington, D.C., 18-23 May 1980. Also published in HS-029 680, International Motorcycle Safety Conference Proceedings. Volume 2, p 633-58.
• Corporate Authors:

  Motorcycle Safety Foundation

  780 Elkridge Landing Road
  Linthicum, MD  United States  21090
• Authors:
  • Taylor, D L
  • Black, S H
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 26 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automated vehicle control; Comfort; Computer aided design; Computer graphics; Motorcycles; Ride quality; Simulation; Suspension systems; Vehicle design; Vehicle dynamics
• Subject Areas: Design; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00389655
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-029 689
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 30 1984 12:00AM