PROPERTIES OF AN INTERCONNECTED HYDROPNEUMATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM

The static and dynamic properties of a vehicle suspension comprising h ydraulic struts interconnected in the roll plane are investigated. The fundamental properties of the interconnected suspension are investiga ted and compared to those of the unconnected suspensions with and with out the anti-roll bar, in terms of load-carrying capacity, suspension rate, roll stiffness as well as damping characteristics. The anti-roll performance of the interconnected suspension is analyzed for excitati ons encountered during directional manoeuvres. The ride quality perfor mance is evaluated for excitations occurring at tire-road interface. I t is concluded that the interconnected hydro-pneumatic suspension with inherent enhanced roll stiffness and damping characteristics can sign ificantly restrict the body roll motion to achieve improved roll stabi lity of a vehicle.