Suspensionslasten

Suspensionslasten, literally “suspension loads,” are the forces that act on a vehicle's suspension system (springs, dampers, control arms, and linkages) as a result of payload, vehicle dynamics, and road input. They are typically categorized as static loads, from the weight of the vehicle and its occupants and cargo, and dynamic loads, generated by motion over irregular surfaces, acceleration, braking, and cornering. The loads are commonly resolved into vertical, longitudinal, and lateral components, with vertical forces usually dominant.

In engineering, suspensionslasten determine the choice of spring rates and damping, suspension geometry, and travel, affecting ride comfort, handling, tire contact, and durability. They are modeled in simulations (quarter-car or full multi-body models) and validated with test data from road tests and onboard sensors. Measurements may use load cells, accelerometers, and steering angle or speed data to characterize the load history.

Several factors influence suspensionslasten, including vehicle mass, payload distribution, center of gravity, driving style, road roughness, speed, and steering inputs. Dynamic loads rise with speed and roughness and can cause phenomena such as wheel hop or bottoming if not properly accounted for. The term is used in German-language automotive engineering to refer to the load cases considered in chassis development and dynamic analysis.