Vehicle Dynamics and Chassis Technology

The chassis and suspension constitute one of the most important and, at the same time, one of the most complex systems in a motor vehicle. Their performance significantly determines the behavior of the entire vehicle. Hardly any other system has such an influence on driver/passenger safety and comfort. The primary job of the chassis and suspension consists of connecting the wheel to the vehicle while maintaining an optimum contact between the tires and the road surface.

The spatial movement of the wheel during spring deflection and steering (kinematics) is determined by the number as well as relative arrangement of the kinematic points (topology) of the wheel suspension. Due to additional superimposed elastic deformations of structural elements and fasteners (elastokinematics), the inevitable kinematic movement and thus the wheel position changes, depending on the magnitude of the forces and moments acting on the chassis.

Current research activities include modeling of complex, non-linear systems consisting of chassis, tire and road surface as well as its non-linear dependencies and its view as a chassis-tire-road system. The holistic approach and the focus on tire-road contact results in novel and refined criteria for the design of chassis Systems.

For Analyzing independent suspension systems and model validation different component and system test rigs like an half axle test rig which was developed at the Chair are available.