Analysis of Formula Student vehicle suspension and development of load acquisition system for experimental investigation

Abstract

This study is concerned with analytically analysing the loads experienced by the suspension links on a double wishbone suspension system adopted by many Formula Student vehicles. From literature search, it was determined that several teams employ the same analytical methodology, all considering specific load cases to determine the greatest loads which may be experienced by the suspension. Several researchers opted to experimentally investigate the true loads experienced by such suspension systems on Formula Student vehicles, however many seem to use off-the-shelf expensive data acquisition systems with little success. In this dissertation, the suspension loads experienced by the double wishbone suspension system on Formula Student vehicles was analytically analysed. Using this methodology, a suspension link load calculator was provided to University of Malta Racing. This analytical methodology was applied on the FC-20 vehicle to determine the theoretical loads. Furthermore, an inexpensive load data acquisition system was developed and verified to be able to collect true loads while the vehicle is driven. Every component was carefully selected to ensure good and robust operation. Moreover, several electromagnetic interference mitigation techniques were adopted to ensure that the measured load signal is not distorted. After developing the load data acquisition system and calibrating it, the vehicle was taken to a local racetrack to experimentally investigate the analytically calculated load cases. While the vehicle was driven, the load data was logged for analysis. Some of the load data measured compared well to that calculated, while others were somewhat different. These differences were attributed to understandable factors. The load data acquired experimentally, was rather clean and hence measures applied to eliminate electrical interference proved to be effective. This ensured undistorted load data which facilitated the interpretation of the load data.