Suspension - undercarriage, hydraulics (diagonally springs)

[Stelios]

Homework Statement

The problem is that I can't find how am I suppose to calculate the suspension - vibrations on the arm of a car (simple beam) that connects the chassis with the wheel, when I have a hydraulic pipe connecting the arm with the chassis. I consider, in a free body diagram, the hydraulic pipe as a spring with constant 300 times softer than the steel's constant.. But how am I suppose to arrange the forces to the beam according to the spring, since it's not vertical neither horizontal but diagonally. Can I take the forces separately in the different axles (x-y)? If you need more informations, please let me know, I can also provide you a diagram.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[jbsteele]

The forces can be taken separately in the different axles (x-y) since the hydraulic pipe is connecting two points of the beam, one end to the chassis and one end to the arm. By taking the x-y axles you can determine the static equilibrium of the system.

 

[Moetasim]

It is important to first consider the purpose of the suspension system in a car. The suspension is responsible for absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for the passengers. The undercarriage, which includes the suspension components, plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of the vehicle and maintaining stability while driving.

In this case, the hydraulic pipe connecting the arm with the chassis can be considered as a part of the suspension system, specifically as a hydraulic shock absorber. This component helps to dampen the vibrations and shocks from the road, preventing them from being transferred directly to the arm and ultimately the chassis.

To calculate the suspension vibrations on the arm, it is important to take into account the stiffness of the hydraulic pipe as well as the stiffness of the steel beam. The hydraulic pipe can be treated as a spring with a lower stiffness constant, as mentioned in the problem. This can be incorporated into the overall stiffness of the suspension system.

In terms of arranging the forces on the beam, it may be helpful to consider the hydraulic pipe as a force acting in the diagonal direction, but also taking into account the vertical and horizontal components of this force. This will depend on the specific geometry and orientation of the suspension system and can be determined through a free body diagram and analysis of the forces acting on the beam.

In summary, when calculating the suspension vibrations on the arm of a car, it is important to consider the role of the hydraulic pipe as a shock absorber and incorporate its stiffness into the overall suspension system. The forces acting on the beam can be analyzed by considering the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal components of the hydraulic force. Additional information and a diagram may be helpful in further understanding the specific situation and providing a more detailed solution.