Suspension kinematics — assess the statement: “A double-wishbone (double A-arm) suspension offers large freedom to set geometry, enabling precise tuning for ride comfort, camber control, and steerability.”

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Front and rear suspensions must balance ride, handling, packaging, and cost. The double-wishbone layout uses two transverse control arms to define the wheel plane and its motion path. Compared with simpler strut designs, it provides extra geometric degrees of freedom for camber gain, roll center placement, and kinematic compliance tuning.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Upper and lower wishbones (A-arms) with ball joints locate the upright/knuckle.
  • Ride comfort and steering precision are design targets.
  • Packaging constraints and cost are recognized but not primary here.


Concept / Approach:

By independently selecting arm lengths, vertical separation, fore-aft sweep, and pivot locations, engineers can tailor camber change versus wheel travel, kingpin inclination, scrub radius, anti-dive/anti-squat, and track change. This flexibility allows precise alignment control throughout suspension motion, reducing tyre wear and improving grip and steering feel. Consequently, the statement is accurate regarding tunability benefits.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Define kinematic targets: camber gain, roll center height, and bump steer curves.2) Choose arm lengths/angles to achieve the desired instant center locations.3) Validate through simulation and kinematics/Compliance (K&C) testing.4) Iterate bushing rates and geometries to balance comfort vs precision.


Verification / Alternative check:

Vehicle dynamics literature and K&C test data show double-wishbone systems achieving superior camber control compared with MacPherson struts, at the expense of space and cost.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Incorrect — would ignore the well-documented geometric flexibility inherent to two-arm layouts.


Common Pitfalls:

Assuming tunability guarantees better outcomes regardless of execution; poor bushing design or packaging compromises can negate potential advantages.


Final Answer:

Correct

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