Independent vs. axle suspension

[zcma]

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.

 

[Joest]

Zcma,
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.

 

[GregLocock]

If you can package a high articulation beam axle under your truck you'll probably be happy with that. For many years the best off-road car sized vehicles have used beam axle rear suspensions, and even beam axle front suspensions.

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

 

[Slowzuki]

There is an article in Construction Equipment magazine about Oshkosh moving to independant suspension in one of it's new models, I believe it's entitled "Driving Wide Eyed in Oshkosh's New MTVR" The mtvr part may be the wrong name.

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

 

[mloew]

Slowzuki,

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)

http://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.

 

[Slowzuki]

I have a bad photocopy of the article here, the full info is below:
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

http://www.coneq.com

Ken

 

[harrisj]

Go to

http://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

 

[mloew]

John,

Thanks for the information. ArvinMeritor (

http://www.arvinmeritor.com)

no longer licenses the Timoney system. Their other independent suspension system is now a part of AxleTech International (

http://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.