Optimized car suspension system

Smoother Rides Ahead: Optimizing Car Suspensions with Cutting-Edge Tech

Nico Varela in Tech & Innovation September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how Kriging models and flexible multi-body dynamics are revolutionizing car suspension design for enhanced comfort and performance."

The quest for a smoother, more comfortable ride has always been a driving force in automotive engineering. Among the various components contributing to ride quality, the suspension system stands out as a critical factor. MacPherson strut suspensions, widely used in vehicles, face a unique challenge: side load. This force, generated when the wheel moves vertically, can cause friction in the damper, reducing ride comfort. Addressing this issue is paramount for enhancing the overall driving experience.

Traditional approaches to minimizing side load have included side load springs, adjustments to spring setting positions, and modifications to spring seat angles. However, a new wave of research is leveraging advanced modeling techniques to achieve even greater improvements. One such approach combines Kriging models with flexible multi-body dynamics (FMBD) to optimize suspension design. This innovative method promises a more refined and effective way to reduce side load and improve ride comfort.

This article explores how Kriging models and FMBD analysis are revolutionizing the design of MacPherson strut suspensions. We'll delve into the intricacies of these techniques, examine their benefits, and discuss their potential to create smoother, more enjoyable rides for drivers and passengers alike. Whether you're an automotive enthusiast, an engineering student, or simply someone curious about the technology behind a comfortable car, this exploration will provide valuable insights into the future of suspension design.

Understanding Side Load in MacPherson Strut Suspensions

The MacPherson strut suspension is a popular design, particularly for the front suspension of vehicles. Its simple structure saves space and reduces manufacturing costs. However, this design inherently generates a side load on the damper when the wheel moves vertically. This side load causes friction within the damper, hindering its ability to respond effectively to abrupt accelerations, ultimately diminishing ride comfort.

To visualize this, imagine the forces at play: the force on the wheel (Fw), the reaction force of the link (Fc), and the reaction force at the top of the damper (Fu). The spring's reaction force (Fr) is not aligned with Fu, resulting in the side load (Fs1). This force, acting vertically on the damper axis, creates reaction forces (Fs2 and Fs3) where the rod and piston contact the cylinder. This friction reduces the damper's effectiveness, transmitting more of the road's imperfections directly to the vehicle's occupants.

Simple Structure, Complex Problem: MacPherson struts offer simplicity and cost-effectiveness but introduce the challenge of side load.
Friction's Impact: Side load-induced friction reduces the damper's responsiveness, leading to a harsher ride.
Force Misalignment: The misalignment of forces within the strut assembly is the root cause of side load generation.

Researchers have explored various methods to mitigate side load, including specialized springs and adjustments to spring settings. However, the latest approaches employ sophisticated modeling techniques to optimize suspension geometry and minimize these unwanted forces. The goal is to allow the damper to function more efficiently, absorbing shocks and vibrations for a smoother, more controlled ride.

The Future of Ride Comfort

The integration of Kriging models and FMBD analysis represents a significant leap forward in suspension design. By optimizing spring setting positions and minimizing side load, these techniques pave the way for vehicles that offer a superior ride experience. As automotive technology continues to evolve, expect to see even more sophisticated modeling and optimization methods employed to create cars that glide effortlessly over any road surface.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s12541-018-0103-2, Alternate LINK

Title: Kriging Model Based Optimization Of Macpherson Strut Suspension For Minimizing Side Load Using Flexible Multi-Body Dynamics

Subject: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Journal: International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Byung Chul Choi, Seunghyeon Cho, Chang-Wan Kim

Published: 2018-06-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary challenge that MacPherson strut suspensions face, and why is it important to address it?

The main challenge for MacPherson strut suspensions is side load, which arises when the wheel moves vertically. This force causes friction within the damper. Reducing this friction is crucial because it directly impacts ride comfort. When friction is minimized, the damper can effectively absorb shocks and vibrations, providing a smoother ride for the vehicle's occupants.

How do Kriging models and flexible multi-body dynamics (FMBD) contribute to improving car suspension design?

Kriging models and FMBD are advanced modeling techniques used to optimize MacPherson strut suspension design. They help to minimize side load by optimizing spring setting positions and other aspects of the suspension geometry. FMBD simulates the flexible behavior of the suspension components, providing a more accurate representation of how they interact under various conditions. The combination of these approaches allows engineers to design suspensions that offer a superior ride experience by reducing friction and improving the damper's responsiveness.

Why are MacPherson strut suspensions commonly used in vehicles, and what are the tradeoffs of this design?

MacPherson strut suspensions are popular due to their simple structure, which contributes to cost-effectiveness and saves space, particularly in the front suspension of vehicles. However, the tradeoff for these advantages is the inherent generation of side load on the damper. This side load is caused by the misalignment of forces within the strut assembly when the wheel moves, leading to friction that diminishes ride comfort. Despite these drawbacks, their simplicity and space-saving design make them a common choice.

Can you explain the forces at play in a MacPherson strut suspension and how they lead to side load?

In a MacPherson strut suspension, several forces interact. The force on the wheel (Fw), the reaction force of the link (Fc), and the reaction force at the top of the damper (Fu) are key. The spring's reaction force (Fr) isn't perfectly aligned with Fu, which generates the side load (Fs1). This side load acts on the damper's axis, creating reaction forces (Fs2 and Fs3) where the rod and piston contact the cylinder. This misalignment and the resulting forces lead to friction, reducing the damper's effectiveness and negatively affecting ride comfort.

Beyond Kriging models and FMBD, what other methods have been used to mitigate side load in MacPherson strut suspensions, and how do these advanced techniques represent an improvement?

Traditionally, engineers have tried to mitigate side load through methods like using side load springs and making adjustments to spring setting positions and spring seat angles. While these methods offer some improvement, Kriging models and FMBD analysis offer a more sophisticated approach. By using advanced modeling to optimize suspension geometry, these techniques can achieve greater improvements in minimizing side load and enhancing ride comfort compared to traditional methods. They provide a more refined and effective way to reduce friction and enhance the damper's responsiveness.