Energy Efficiency as a Function of Suspension Tuning

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Ran
Ran
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Joined: 14 May 2014, 17:26

Energy Efficiency as a Function of Suspension Tuning

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Hi all,
This topic has had me looking around and finding nothing online. What would you say is a more efficient setup for normal day to day driving between a hard sporty ride and a soft wallowy one? On one side a soft ride would be less hampered by obstacles but on the other a soft ride would have the car bounce a lot therby causing a loss of energy to damper heat. I'm sure there won't be a conclusive answer as this would be very dependant on specific road conditions but I am looking to get some insight on the matter. Thanks!

Greg Locock
233
Joined: 30 Jun 2012, 00:48

Re: Energy Efficiency as a Function of Suspension Tuning

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There's no single answer. When I raced solar cars Michelin did some analysis on tire pressure vs energy absorbed in the shock and sidewall, which was nice to know and somewhat relevant to your question.

Ran
Ran
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Joined: 14 May 2014, 17:26

Re: Energy Efficiency as a Function of Suspension Tuning

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Thanks for the quick reply, very interesting. Would you care to share any insights from that analysis?

Greg Locock
233
Joined: 30 Jun 2012, 00:48

Re: Energy Efficiency as a Function of Suspension Tuning

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Sure, for our setup the optimum tire pressure was 80 psi. That's not much use to anyone using different tires or shocks!

Ran
Ran
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Joined: 14 May 2014, 17:26

Re: Energy Efficiency as a Function of Suspension Tuning

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So does that mean that this pressure made the system the most efficient in terms of total suspension (tire and damper) efficiency?

Greg Locock
233
Joined: 30 Jun 2012, 00:48

Re: Energy Efficiency as a Function of Suspension Tuning

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Yes. Any softer and more energy was lost in the sidewall, any harder and more energy was lost in the damper.

CBeck113
51
Joined: 17 Feb 2013, 19:43

Re: Energy Efficiency as a Function of Suspension Tuning

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Ran wrote:
04 Oct 2017, 19:09
So does that mean that this pressure made the system the most efficient in terms of total suspension (tire and damper) efficiency?
But don't forget what Greg said: for this specific system.
“Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!” Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Ran
Ran
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Joined: 14 May 2014, 17:26

Re: Energy Efficiency as a Function of Suspension Tuning

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CBeck113 wrote:
05 Oct 2017, 10:20
Ran wrote:
04 Oct 2017, 19:09
So does that mean that this pressure made the system the most efficient in terms of total suspension (tire and damper) efficiency?
But don't forget what Greg said: for this specific system.
I get it :wink:

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