Comparing Fundamentals of Spring Suspensions 490218
THIS paper reviews the fundamental principles on which all spring suspension is based and compares various types now in use or under consideration. The capacity for energy storage of steel is analyzed, when stressed in tension, torsion, and bending, and methods of converting this energy storage into required pounds of effective spring steel are outlined.
The authors discuss coil springs and torsion bars, which apply the torsion principle of energy storage, and leaf springs, which store energy through bending. The special advantages and also the problems of each type are considered, and proposed new springing methods are described.
The riding qualities of modern passenger automobiles, buses, and trucks are compared. Finally, a special plea is made for an improvement in the springing of trucks, in which lack of riding comfort is serious.
