2 The suspension system
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, dampers and linkages that connect
the body of a vehicle to it’s wheels. This system serves a dual purpose: optimizing the
vehicle’s handling, and keeping the occupants comfortable. In case of a race car, the
latter is off course insignificant. The only goal of a race car is maintaining the maximum
achievable acceleration in the appropriate direction.
The working principle of a suspension system will be explained first. After that, a set of
requirements is formulated.