Jousitusgeometria

Jousitusgeometria refers to the study and design of the kinematic and geometric relationships of a vehicle's suspension system. It encompasses how the wheels and suspension components move in relation to the vehicle's chassis during operation. The primary goal of optimizing suspension geometry is to achieve a balance between ride comfort, handling characteristics, and tire wear.

Key aspects of suspension geometry include camber, caster, toe, and scrub radius. Camber describes the angle of the wheel relative to the vertical plane when viewed from the front. Positive camber means the top of the wheel tilts outward, while negative camber means it tilts inward. Caster refers to the angle of the steering axis in relation to the vertical plane when viewed from the side. Positive caster generally improves straight-line stability. Toe is the angle of the wheels relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis when viewed from above. Toe-in means the front of the wheels are closer together than the rear, while toe-out means the opposite. Scrub radius, also known as the kingpin offset, is the distance between the point where the steering axis intersects the ground and the center of the tire's contact patch.

Suspension geometry significantly impacts how a vehicle behaves under various conditions, such as acceleration, braking, cornering, and encountering road imperfections. Altering these geometric parameters can intentionally influence characteristics like steering feel, grip levels, and the tendency for understeer or oversteer. Manufacturers carefully design suspension geometry to meet specific performance targets for different vehicle types, from everyday passenger cars to high-performance sports cars and off-road vehicles. Understanding and adjusting suspension geometry is crucial for mechanics and automotive engineers aiming to optimize vehicle dynamics.