Effects of Non-Linear Wheel Suspension Bushing on Vehicle Response

This work presents an analysis of the effects of non-linear characteristics of a top mount bushing in the wheel suspension of a vehicle when evaluating vehicle characteristics such as comfort and handling. The investigation is performed by comparing simulation results from a quarter car model when using a non-linear bushing model and an approximated linear bushing model. It is revealed when analysing the results that there are differences in the response when comparing measures such as sprung mass acceleration, rattle space ratio and tyre-ground contact force. The conclusion is that the more detailed bushing model mainly affects the acceleration levels especially at high frequencies where the linear model underestimates the acceleration. The rattle space ratio and tyre-ground contact force are also affected but not to the same extent.