New suspension system means safer, more comfortable car journeys

Dr Jiabin Wang from the University of Sheffield's Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering is leading a research study to make car journeys smoother and safer, by replacing shock absorbers with single linear motors.

Clearly, the suspension system is a key component of the modern car having to isolate vibration, optimise roadholding and ensure reliable cornering. It does this by absorbing energy and dissipating it while travelling over rough ground.

In addition, the suspension system has to maintain the vehicle's wheel geometry to maximise tyre contact with the road at all times, and react to the weight of the car during cornering to minimise body roll.

The research team led by Dr Wang believe that linear tubular motors can do the job much more effectively. They foresee using linear electromagnetic actuators to provide all the functions of the conventional shock absorber and spring system.

The main benefit of employing linear motors is that they can move much more quickly than conventional fluid-based damper suspension systems. In fact, they can respond quickly enough to eliminate most significant movement and vibration of the car under all driving and road conditions.

In addition, they can counter any body roll by automatically stiffening the suspension when cornering, thereby giving the driver a greater sense of control and improving safety.

To investigate the potential of using single linear motors, Dr Wang and his team carried out a project entitled, `Linear electromagnetic actuation system for active vehicle suspension´.

The project was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and involved four academics from the University of Sheffield collaborating with Loughborough University and leading car manufacturer Jaguar.

The outcome of this project will be applicable to car manufacturing in all types of light vehicles, from high performance sports cars to electrically powered wheelchairs.

"The aim of my work," said Dr Wang, "is to make car journeys more comfortable, and at the same time safer."


For further information, please contact Dr Jiabin Wang at:

tel: 0114 222 25817

email : j.b.wang@sheffield.ac.uk