Optimized car suspension system gliding smoothly

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

Avery Sinclair in Tech & Innovation June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how Kriging models and flexible multi-body dynamics are revolutionizing car suspension design for a more comfortable driving experience."

For decades, automotive engineers have strived to perfect the delicate balance between handling and comfort. At the heart of this challenge lies the suspension system, a critical component that absorbs road imperfections and keeps the ride smooth. Among the various suspension designs, the MacPherson strut is a popular choice, particularly in front suspensions, due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

However, the MacPherson strut suspension isn't without its challenges. One significant issue is the generation of 'side load' within the damper. This occurs when the wheel moves vertically, causing friction and reducing the damper's ability to respond effectively to bumps and vibrations. Ultimately, this translates to a less comfortable ride for the driver and passengers.

But what if we could minimize this side load? Recent research explores innovative approaches using advanced modeling techniques to optimize the MacPherson strut suspension. By employing Kriging models and flexible multi-body dynamics (FMBD), engineers are finding ways to fine-tune suspension design for a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience.

Understanding Side Load and Why It Matters

Optimized car suspension system gliding smoothly

Side load, in the context of a MacPherson strut suspension, refers to the force generated perpendicular to the damper's primary axis. This force arises from the geometric constraints of the suspension design, particularly when the wheel encounters vertical movement. Unlike systems with upper and lower control arms, the MacPherson strut utilizes the damper and spring as upper members.

Imagine the wheel hitting a bump. As the wheel moves upwards, it pushes on the strut, which then compresses the spring. However, because the strut is angled, this vertical movement creates a force that tries to bend the damper rod. This bending force is the side load, and it's directly related to friction within the damper.

Reduced Damper Efficiency: Side load increases friction between the piston and cylinder, hindering the damper's ability to respond quickly and effectively to road imperfections.
Compromised Ride Comfort: Increased friction transmits vibrations and shocks to the vehicle's body, resulting in a harsher, less comfortable ride.
Premature Wear: Constant side loading can accelerate wear and tear on the damper components, shortening their lifespan and potentially leading to costly repairs.

Minimizing side load, therefore, becomes crucial for improving ride comfort, enhancing damper performance, and extending the lifespan of suspension components. This is where advanced modeling and optimization techniques come into play.

The Road Ahead: Smarter Suspensions for a Better Drive

The application of Kriging models and FMBD analysis represents a significant step forward in suspension design. By understanding and minimizing side load, engineers can create MacPherson strut suspensions that offer a smoother, more comfortable ride without sacrificing performance. These advancements promise a future where vehicles can effortlessly glide over imperfections, providing drivers and passengers with an unparalleled driving experience.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is a MacPherson strut suspension, and why is it so widely used in vehicles?

The MacPherson strut suspension is a type of suspension system, especially common in front suspensions, known for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Unlike systems with upper and lower control arms, the MacPherson strut utilizes the damper and spring as upper members. It is a popular choice in the automotive industry because it provides a good balance of performance and affordability.

What is 'side load' in a MacPherson strut suspension, and why is it detrimental to ride quality?

Side load refers to the force generated perpendicular to the damper's primary axis within a MacPherson strut suspension. This force arises from the geometric constraints of the suspension design, particularly when the wheel encounters vertical movement. It is detrimental because it increases friction within the damper, hindering its ability to respond to bumps and vibrations, leading to a harsher, less comfortable ride, and accelerating wear on the damper components. Reducing side load is essential for improving ride comfort and extending component lifespan.

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

Kriging models and flexible multi-body dynamics (FMBD) are advanced modeling techniques used to optimize the design of MacPherson strut suspensions. By employing Kriging models and flexible multi-body dynamics (FMBD), engineers are finding ways to fine-tune suspension design for a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience. These tools help engineers understand and minimize side load, leading to smoother rides and enhanced vehicle performance. The application of Kriging models and FMBD analysis represents a significant step forward in suspension design. However, the article does not elaborate on specific algorithms or implementation details related to Kriging and FMBD.

What are the main drawbacks of side load in MacPherson strut suspensions, and how does minimizing it improve overall vehicle performance?

The primary drawbacks of side load include reduced damper efficiency due to increased friction, compromised ride comfort as vibrations are transmitted to the vehicle's body, and premature wear on damper components. Minimizing side load enhances damper performance, improving ride comfort and extending the lifespan of suspension parts. The ability of engineers to minimize side load translates to an unparalleled driving experience.

What implications do advancements in suspension technology, like minimizing side load using Kriging models and FMBD, have for the future of vehicle design and the driving experience?

Advancements in suspension technology, such as minimizing side load using Kriging models and flexible multi-body dynamics (FMBD), suggest a future where vehicles can effortlessly glide over imperfections, providing drivers and passengers with an unparalleled driving experience. The use of advanced modeling techniques to optimize suspension design promises to enhance both ride comfort and vehicle performance, potentially leading to more durable and reliable suspension systems. Further development in this area may result in more sophisticated active suspension systems that adapt in real-time to road conditions, optimizing both comfort and handling. However, the economic aspect is not covered in the article.