Independent vs. axle suspension
Independent vs. axle suspension
(OP)
I'm working in a truck company. I know most truck use axle type suspension probably for the cost saving purpose. We want to take a look on the independent suspension system. Is there anyone can tell me what is the major criteria (or difference) when you compare the indp. suspension to the axle type suspension ? Our truck needs a good off-road performance. Thanks.





RE: Independent vs. axle suspension
What size of truck are you working with. If you mean full-sized industrial such as Freightliner, Kenworth, etc. then you may want to take a look at the following site: http://www.tatra.cz/enff/konception/perov/
I hope this is a good start.
RE: Independent vs. axle suspension
Just lately some have gone to all independent suspension, but that is probably not because of any perceieved improvement in off-road performance.
Advantages of IRS against live rear axle:
can be easier to package for a given articulation
better high speed cornering on rough surfaces
Advantages favouring live rear axle
cost
durability
complexity
weight
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Independent vs. axle suspension
The high speed off road handling may be improved due to the reduced sprung mass but the articulation of most independant suspensions is poor due to roll resistance constraints.
Ken
RE: Independent vs. axle suspension
Thanks for the information. I will try to locate that article.
There is a good technical paper that will provide some more insight into this topic as well:
SPATIAL MULTIBODY MODELING AND VEHICLE DYNAMICS
ANALYSIS OF A FUTURE TACTICAL TRUCK SYSTEM CONCEPT
by Michael D. Letherwood and David D. Gunter
National Automotive Center (NAC), US Army Tank Automotive Research Development & Engineering Center (TARDEC)
www.hpcmo.hpc.mil/Htdocs/UGC/UGC02/paper/mike_leatherwood_paper.pdf
I have a keen interest in this topic, so I will keep a look-out for additional information.
Best regards,
Matthew Ian Loew
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Independent vs. axle suspension
Driving Wide Eyed with Oshkosh's MTVR
Construction Equipment
Column by Tom Berg titled, Hands on Trucking
Article is actually old, April 2001
The truck tested was destined for the Marines
I see they have a web site www.coneq.com
Ken
RE: Independent vs. axle suspension
Go to www.timoney-technology.com
This is Timoney in Ireland - they have designed some effective Independent suspension systems for off-road trucks. Rockwell (now Arvin Meritor I think) have a licence to make these and have supplied to military vehicle manufacturers.
John
RE: Independent vs. axle suspension
Thanks for the information. ArvinMeritor (www.arvinmeritor.com) no longer licenses the Timoney system. Their other independent suspension system is now a part of AxleTech International (www.axletech.com). This product comes out of their facility in St. Etienne, France. I imagine ArvinMeritor is working on a new, independent suspension system on their own for future applications.
Best regards,
Matthew Ian Loew
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.