Reverse Engineering The Super Strut Suspension
The Super Strut suspension system was a front suspension design used by Toyota in the 1990s. It has the same chassis mounting philosophy as a MacPherson Strut suspension but the strut extends down beyond the top of the knuckle (upright) and connects to a small link. This small link, often referred to as a figure of 8 link or camber link, also mounts to one of the lower suspension arms which significantly influences the suspension kinematics. To gain an understanding we have measured one example system from a Toyota Celica ST205 and created the simulation that you see below, this enables visualisation and analysis of the Super Strut suspension system.
Quarter Car Model
The video above demonstrates Lamerton Simulation Ltd's quarter car kinematic model of the Super Strut suspension system. From this model it is possible to evaluate how the Super Strut suspension influences the camber of the tyre with changes in vertical wheel motion. It can be seen that the shape of the Camber variation is more akin to a Double Wishbone suspension than a MacPherson Strut, enabling much better camber control throughout the wheel travel.
Interested in getting a simulation for your suspension system?
Contact us by email at: info@lamertonsimulation.com
Standard Simulation Inputs
For a standard simulation the requirements are predominantly global locations in space (often referred to as hard points) for the following points:
- Top Mount
- Lower link geometry and where they mount to the Chassis
- How the strut connects to the camber link
- Lower Ball Joint
- Track(Tie) Rod joint centres connecting to the steering rack and knuckle(upright)
- Wheel Geometric Centre (or wheel centre outside face plus rim/tyre width)
Standard Simulation Outputs
- Kingpin Inclination
- Caster Angle
- 3d image of kinematic assembly
- Plot of kinematic Steer (variation with vertical wheel travel)
- Plot of kinematic Camber (variation with vertical wheel travel)
Contact us by email at: info@lamertonsimulation.com
Who is this model suitable for?
This model is suitable for anyone looking to understand a Super Strut suspension system on a tight budget (e.g. low volume manufacturers, motorsport engineers, modders, students and automotive enthusiasts). This is significantly cheaper than the physical equivalent that can cost many thousands of pounds.
Want to run this model yourself?
This model is compatible with the OpenModelica simulation environment, contact us for further details.
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