1. BND TechSource
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Vehicle Load Transfer
Part III of III
Lateral Load Transfer
Wm Harbin
Technical Director
BND TechSource
(revised 04JUL21)
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Lateral Load Transfer
▪ Now that the ride rate analysis is complete, we can move on to the roll analysis. We
will want to calculate the anti-roll bars. To do this we will need the following
information on the vehicle suspension:
▪ Roll center heights front and rear
▪ Roll Axis
▪ Tire Static Load Radius
▪ Tire Stiffness Rate
▪ Spring motion ratio
▪ ARB motion ratio
▪ Track width (independent susp)
▪ Leaf spring spacing (solid axle)
▪ Sprung mass CG height
▪ Sprung mass weight distribution
▪ Roll Moment lever arm
▪ Roll Moment per lateral g acceleration
▪ Roll Stiffness Rate per Roll Gradient
▪ Total Lateral Load Transfer Distribution (TLLTD)
2
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Roll Centers
▪ Every vehicle has two roll centers, one at the front and one at the rear.
Each roll center is located at the intersection of a line drawn from the
center of the tire contact patch through the IC of that tire’s suspension
geometry.
▪ As the IC moves during suspension travel, so too will the roll center.
3
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Roll Centers (continued):
▪ This example shows a solid rear axle with leaf springs. The axle/differential
is suspended and moves with the wheel assemblies. The roll center height
(Zrc) is derived by intersecting a plane running through the spring pivots
with a vertical plane running through the centerline of the axle. The roll
center point is equal distance between the springs.
4
Zrc
Roll
Center
Zrc = 16 in
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Roll Centers (continued):
▪ This example shows an independent rear suspension with the differential
attached to the chassis and control arms suspending the wheel
assemblies from the chassis. The control arms are parallel, therefore the
IC is infinite. In this case the lines running from the center of the tire
contact path to the roll center are parallel with the control arms.
5
Zr
Roll
Center
Control Arms
Zr = 0.896 in
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Roll Centers (continued):
▪ This example shows an independent front suspension with the control
arms suspending the wheel assemblies from the chassis. Lines running
through the control arm pivots and ball joints intersect at the IC. The lines
running from the center of the tire contact path to the IC intersect at the roll
center.
6
Zf
Roll
Center
Control Arms
Ball Joints
Ball Joints
To IC To IC
Zf = 0.497 in
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Roll Axis
▪ A theoretical line connecting the two roll centers is called the roll axis.
7
Rear Roll Center
Front Roll Center
Roll Axis
Vehicle Center of Gravity
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Tire Stiffness Rate
▪ Tires in a suspension system not only control the grip to the road surface,
they also act as additional springs (and dampers) within the system.
▪ There are many ways to calculate tire stiffness rate.
▪ Load-deflection (LD)
▪ Non-rolling vertical free vibration (NR-FV)
▪ Non-rolling equilibrium load-deflection (NR-LD)
▪ Rolling vertical free vibration (R-FV)
▪ Rolling equilibrium load-deflection (R-LD)
▪ The simplest would be load deflection.
▪ All tire manufacturers list a static load radius in their catalog for a specific tire.
They will also list that tire’s unloaded diameter. There will also be a chart
showing the tire’s maximum load rating. From these numbers the static
deflection can easily be calculated and the static rate is load/deflection.
8
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Tire Stiffness Rate (continued):
▪ These examples are for the static rate of the tires shown.
▪ The tire stiffness rate will change due to changes in air pressure (Δ1 bar can affect
rate by 40%) and slightly (less than 1%) when the vehicle speed changes.
9
Example 1:
Tire = P 235/70 R 16 105 T
Static (max) load radius = 330.9mm (13.03in)
Unloaded diameter = 735.4mm (28.95in)
Max Load = 925kg (2039.3lb) at 2.5 bar
in
lb
in
in
lb
kt /
3
.
1411
03
.
13
)
2
/
95
.
28
(
3
.
2039
=
−
=
in
lb
in
in
lb
kt /
2
.
1560
87
.
11
)
2
/
69
.
25
(
2
.
1521
=
−
=
Example 2:
Tire = P 245/45 R 17 95 W
Static (max) load radius = 301.5mm (11.87in)
Unloaded diameter = 652.4mm (25.69in)
Max Load = 690kg (1521.2lb) at 2.5 bar
Example 3:
Tire = P 275/40 R 18 99 W
Static (max) load radius = 314mm (12.36in)
Unloaded diameter = 677.2mm (26.66in)
Max Load = 775kg (1708.6lb) at 2.5 bar
in
lb
in
in
lb
kt /
4
.
1761
36
.
12
)
2
/
66
.
26
(
6
.
1708
=
−
=
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Tire Static Load Radius
▪ The term Static Load Radius used to determine the tire stiffness rate is given by the
tire manufacturer at the maximum load value for that particular tire.
▪ The Tire Loaded Radius (RLF; RLR) used in the following equations is calculated at
the vehicle corner load values (deflection=load/rate).
10
Example 1:
Tire = P 235/70 R 16 105 T
Unloaded diameter = 735.4mm (28.95in)
Veh Corner Load = 450kg (992lb) at 2.5 bar
KT = 1382.6lb/in
in
RL 77
.
13
)
3
.
1411
/
992
(
)
2
/
95
.
28
( =
−
=
Example 2:
Tire = P 245/45 R 17 95 W
Unloaded diameter = 652.4mm (25.69in)
Veh Corner Load = 405kg (893lb) at 2.5 bar
KT = 1560.2lb/in
Example 3:
Tire = P 275/40 R 18 99 W
Unloaded diameter = 677.2mm (26.66in)
Veh Corner Load = 400kg (882lb) at 2.5 bar
KT = 1761.4lb/in
in
RLF 27
.
12
)
2
.
1560
/
893
(
)
2
/
69
.
25
( =
−
=
in
RLR 83
.
12
)
4
.
1761
/
882
(
)
2
/
66
.
26
( =
−
=
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Sprung and Unsprung Weight
▪ An example of this would be the front unsprung weight is 11.5% (split
equally left to right) of the vehicle weight. The rear unsprung weight is
13.5% (split equally left to right) and then the body would make up the
remainder as sprung weight at 75%.
11
Right Front
Unsprung
Cg
Left Rear
Unsprung
Cg
Body
Sprung
Cg
Left Front
Unsprung
Cg
Right Rear
Unsprung
Cg
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Sprung and Unsprung Weight (continued):
▪ The sprung weight of the vehicle is simply the total weight minus the unsprung
weight.
12
Weight
Sprung
W
W
W
W
W
W U
U
U
U
s =
−
−
−
−
= 4
3
2
1
tr
WU1
WU2
WU3
WU4
as bs
a b
l
x
y’
y’’
ys’
ys’’ W
W
s
x1
x1
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Sprung and Unsprung Weight (continued):
▪ The sprung weight of the vehicle is simply the total weight minus the unsprung
weight.
13
tr
WU1
WU2
WU3
WU4
as bs
a b
l
x
y’
y’’
ys’
ys’’ W
W
s
x1
x1
lb
W
W
S
s
3095
5
.
118
5
.
118
105
105
3542
=
−
−
−
−
=
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
WS = Sprung weight (lb)
WT = 3542lb
WU1 = 105lb
WU2 = 105lb
WU3 = 118.5lb
WU4 = 118.5lb
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Sprung Weight Distribution
▪ The unsprung weight front and rear:
14
Rear
Weight
Unsprung
W
W
W
Front
Weight
Unsprung
W
W
W
U
U
UR
U
U
UF
=
+
=
=
+
=
4
3
2
1
tr
WU1
WU2
WU3
WU4
as bs
a b
l
x
y’
y’’
ys’
ys’’ W
Ws
x1
x1
15. BND TechSource
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Sprung Weight Distribution (continued):
▪ The unsprung weight front and rear:
15
tr
WU1
WU2
WU3
WU4
as bs
a b
l
x
y’
y’’
ys’
ys’’ W
Ws
x1
x1
lb
W
lb
W
UR
UF
237
5
.
118
5
.
118
210
105
105
=
+
=
=
+
=
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
WUF = Sprung weight front (lb)
WUR = Sprung weight rear (lb)
WU1 = 105lb
WU2 = 105lb
WU3 = 118.5lb
WU4 = 118.5lb
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Sprung Weight Distribution (continued):
▪ Taking the moments about the rear axle gives the longitudinal location of the sprung
mass CG (WS).
16
tr
WU1
WU2
WU3
WU4
as bs
a b
l
x
y’
y’’
ys’
ys’’
W
Ws
x1
x1
s
UF
T
s
W
W
b
W
b
)
*
(
)
*
(
−
= and s
s b
a −
=
17. BND TechSource
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Sprung Weight Distribution (continued):
▪ Taking the moments about the rear axle gives the longitudinal location of the sprung
mass CG (WS).
17
tr
WU1
WU2
WU3
WU4
as bs
a b
l
x
y’
y’’
ys’
ys’’
W
Ws
x1
x1
in
bs 08
.
49
3095
)
98
*
210
(
)
7
.
48
*
3542
(
=
−
=
in
as 92
.
48
08
.
49
98 =
−
=
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
WT = 3542lb
WS = 3095lb
WUF = 210lb
b = 48.7in
l = 98in
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Sprung Weight Distribution (continued):
▪ If the font and rear unsprung weight are equal side to side, and the front/rear tracks
are the same, then the lateral location of the sprung mass CG (WS) is found by
taking the moments about the x1 axis as:
18
tr
WU1
WU2
WU3
WU4
as bs
a b
l
x
y’
y’’
ys’
ys’’
W
Ws
x1
x1
−
−
= t
W
W
t
W
W
y
W
W
y
s
UF
s
UR
s
T
s *
*
2
*
*
2
'
*
'
19. BND TechSource
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Sprung Weight Distribution (continued):
▪ If the font and rear unsprung weight are equal side to side, and the front/rear tracks
are the same, then the lateral location of the sprung mass CG (WS) is found by
taking the moments about the x1 axis as:
19
tr
WU1
WU2
WU3
WU4
as bs
a b
l
x
y’
y’’
ys’
ys’’
W
Ws
x1
x1
in
y
y
s
s
33
.
29
'
66
.
58
*
3095
*
2
210
66
.
58
*
3095
*
2
237
33
.
29
*
3095
3542
'
=
−
−
=
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
WT = 3542lb
WS = 3095lb
WUF = 210lb
WUR = 237lb
y’ = 29.33in
t = 58.66in
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Sprung Weight Distribution (continued):
▪ The sprung weight front and rear:
20
tr
WU1
WU2
WU3
WU4
as bs
a b
l
x
y’
y’’
ys’
ys’’
W
Ws
x1
x1
Rear
Weight
Sprung
b
W
W
Front
Weight
Sprung
a
W
W
s
S
SR
s
S
SF
=
+
=
=
=
)
/
(
)
/
(
*
21. BND TechSource
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Sprung Weight Distribution (continued):
▪ The sprung weight front and rear:
21
tr
WU1
WU2
WU3
WU4
as bs
a b
l
x
y’
y’’
ys’
ys’’
W
Ws
x1
x1
lb
W
lb
W
SR
SF
6
.
1550
)
98
/
08
.
49
(
*
3095
4
.
1544
)
98
/
92
.
48
(
*
3095
=
=
=
=
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
WS = 3095lb
aS = 48.92in
bS = 49.08in
l = 98in
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Sprung Weight CG height
22
CGveh
CGS
CGUF CGUR
hs
S
R
UR
F
UF
T
S
W
RL
W
RL
W
h
W
h
)
*
(
)
*
(
)
*
( −
−
=
Where:
hS = Sprung weight CG height (in)
WT = Total vehicle weight (lb)
h = Vehicle CG height (in)
WUF = Unsprung weight front (lb)
RLF = Tire Loaded Radius front (in)
WUR = Unsprung weight rear (lb)
RLR = Tire Loaded Radius rear (in)
WS = Sprung weight (lb)
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Roll Stiffness
▪ Roll stiffness is the resistance of the springs within the suspension against the body
roll when a vehicle goes through a corner.
▪ Roll stiffness is developed by a roll resisting moment of the body (sprung mass)
about the roll axis.
▪ The roll stiffness in a vehicle is equal to the combined roll stiffness of the front and
rear suspension.
▪ Roll stiffness expressed in (torque) ft-lb/degree of roll.
▪ Example: If a vehicle had a roll stiffness of 600 ft-lb/deg of roll, it would take a
torque of 600 ft-lb about the roll axis to move the body 1 degree.
▪ Roll stiffness of the complete vehicle is the sum of the separate roll stiffness rates of
all vehicle suspensions.
▪ Tire deflection rates are included in the front and rear roll stiffness rate values.
24
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Roll Stiffness (continued):
▪ Roll stiffness is the torque (T) (moment or roll couple) to rotate the body (sprung
weight) about the roll axis is shown in the following equations.
25
2
t
K
2
t
+
2
t
K
2
t
=
T R
L
)
K
+
K
(
4
t
=
T R
L
2
(K)
2
t
=
T
2
For equal spring rates, left and right
the above equation reduces to the
following:
Where:
T = Torque
KL = left vertical spring rate
KR = right vertical spring rate
t = distance between the springs
Roll Axis F
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Roll Stiffness (continued):
▪ Roll stiffness (Kᶲ) in radians for suspension with equal spring rate either side
(symmetric) is shown in the following equation.
26
Roll Axis F
F
(K)
2
t
=
(K)
2
t
=
T
2
2
Where:
KF = Roll Stiffness (Roll Rate)
T = Torque
K = vertical spring rate or wheel rate*
t = distance between the springs
(K)
2
t
=
T
=
K
2
F
*Solid axles with leaf springs would use
vertical spring rates (K).
*Independent suspensions and anti-roll
bars would use the wheel rates (K).
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Roll Stiffness (continued):
▪ Roll stiffness (Kᶲ) expressed in metric units (N-m/deg).
▪ Roll stiffness (Kᶲ) expressed in imperial units (ft-lb/deg).
27
Assuming original (t) values given in mm and (K) values in N/mm.
114600 = 2*(180/π)*1000
K
t
K
t
T
K
2
1375
)
12
*
180
*
2
(
2
=
=
=
F
Assuming original (t) values given in inches and (K) values in lb/in.
1375 = 2*(180/π)*12
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Roll Moment
▪ Sprung Weight Roll Moment lever arm
28
−
−
+
−
= )
1
(
*
)
(
S
F
R
F
S
RM
a
Z
Z
Z
h
h
Where:
hRM = Sprung weight RM lever arm (in)
hS = Sprung weight CG height (in)
ZF = Roll Center height front (in)
ZR = Roll Center height rear (in)
aS/l = Sprung mass weight dist. front (%)
CGveh
CGS
ZF
ZR
hRM
Roll Axis
29. BND TechSource
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Roll Moment (continued):
▪ Sprung Weight Roll Moment lever arm
29
CGveh
CGS
ZF
ZR
hRM
Roll Axis
in
h
h
RM
RM
19
.
17
)
499
.
1
(
*
)
497
.
896
(.
497
.
64
.
17
=
−
−
+
−
=
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade :
hRM = Sprung weight RM lever arm (in)
hS = 17.64in
ZF = 0.497in
ZR = 0.896in
aS/l = .499
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Roll Moment (continued):
▪ Roll Moment per lateral g acceleration
30
Where:
M F = Roll Moment (ft-lb)
Ay = Lateral acceleration (g)
hRM = Sprung weight RM lever arm (in)
WS = Sprung weight (lb)
12
*
1
*
)
(g
S
RM
y
W
h
A
M
=
F
Roll Axis
Sprung wt
Cg
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
31. BND TechSource
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Roll Moment (continued):
▪ Roll Moment per lateral g acceleration
31
Roll Axis
Sprung wt
Cg
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
M F = Roll Moment (ft-lb)
Ay = Lateral acceleration (g)
hRM = 17.19in
WS = 3095lb
g
lb
ft
A
M
y
/
6
.
4433
12
3095
*
19
.
17
−
=
=
F
32. BND TechSource
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Roll Stiffness
▪ Total Roll Stiffness Rate per (desired) Roll Gradient
32
Where:
K F = Total Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
M F = Roll Moment (ft-lb)
Ay = Lateral acceleration (g)
RG = Roll Gradient = 1.5deg/g
Note: RG target of 1.5 deg/g was requested by
the customer.
RG
A
M
K
y
/
F
F =
Roll Axis
Sprung wt
Cg
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
33. BND TechSource
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Roll Stiffness (continued):
▪ Total Roll Stiffness Rate per (desired) Roll Gradient
33
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
K F = Total Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
M F = 4433.6ft-lb
Ay = 1g
RG = Roll Gradient = 1.5deg/g
Note: RG target of 1.5 deg/g was
requested by the customer.
deg
/
7
.
2955
5
.
1
6
.
4433
lb
ft
K −
=
=
F
Roll Axis
Sprung wt
Cg
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
34. BND TechSource
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Roll Stiffness (continued):
▪ Front Roll Stiffness
▪ To calculate the available roll stiffness from the springs alone for an
independent suspension:
34
Roll Axis
Sprung wt
Cg
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
Where:
K FSF = Front Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K RF = Front Ride Rate (lb/in)
T F = Track front (in)
1375 = 2*(180/)*12
1375
)
(
* 2
F
RF
SF
T
K
K =
F
35. BND TechSource
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Roll Stiffness (continued):
▪ Front Roll Stiffness
▪ To calculate the available roll stiffness from the springs alone for an
independent suspension:
35
Roll Axis
Sprung wt
Cg
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
K FSF = Front Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K RF = 200.77lb/in
T F = 58.66in
1375 = 2*(180/)*12
deg
/
4
.
502
1375
)
66
.
58
(
*
77
.
200 2
lb
ft
K
K
SF
SF
−
=
=
F
F
36. BND TechSource
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Roll Stiffness (continued):
▪ Front Roll Stiffness
▪ To calculate the available roll stiffness from the springs alone for an solid (live)
axle suspension:
36
Where:
K FSF = Front Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K WF = Front Wheel Rate (lb/in)
T S = Spring spacing (in)
K T = Tire Rate (lb/in)
T F = Track front (in)
1375 = 2*(180/)*12
)
*
(
)
*
(
*
1375
)
*
(
*
)
*
(
2
2
2
2
F
T
S
WF
F
T
S
WF
SF
T
K
T
K
T
K
T
K
K
+
=
F
Sprung wt
Cg
Roll
Axis
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
37. BND TechSource
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Roll Stiffness (continued):
▪ Rear Roll Stiffness
▪ To calculate the available roll stiffness from the springs alone for an
independent suspension:
37
Roll Axis
Sprung wt
Cg
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
Where:
K FSR = Rear Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K RR = Rear Ride Rate (lb/in)
T R = Track rear (in)
1375 = 2*(180/)*12
1375
)
(
* 2
R
RR
SR
T
K
K =
F
38. BND TechSource
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Roll Stiffness (continued):
▪ Rear Roll Stiffness
▪ To calculate the available roll stiffness from the springs alone for an
independent suspension:
38
Roll Axis
Sprung wt
Cg
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
K FSR = Rear Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K RR = 266.81lb/in
T R = 58.66in
1375 = 2*(180/)*12
deg
/
7
.
667
1375
)
66
.
58
(
*
81
.
266 2
lb
ft
K
K
SR
SR
−
=
=
F
F
39. BND TechSource
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Roll Stiffness (continued):
▪ Rear Roll Stiffness
▪ To calculate the available roll stiffness from the springs alone for an solid (live)
axle suspension:
39
Sprung wt
Cg
Roll
Axis
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
Where:
K FSR = Rear Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K WR = Rear Wheel Rate (lb/in)
T S = Spring spacing (in)
K T = Tire Rate (lb/in)
T R = Track rear (in)
1375 = 2*(180/)*12
)
*
(
)
*
(
*
1375
)
*
(
*
)
*
(
2
2
2
2
R
T
S
WR
R
T
S
WR
SR
T
K
T
K
T
K
T
K
K
+
=
F
40. BND TechSource
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Roll Gradient
▪ Roll Gradient w/o ARB
▪ To calculate the roll gradient from the springs alone without ARB:
40
Roll Axis
Sprung wt
Cg
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
Where:
φnoARB= Roll Gradient w/o ARB (deg/g)
Ws = Sprung Weight (lb)
hRM= Roll moment arm length (in)
K φSF = Front Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K φSR = Rear Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
41. BND TechSource
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Roll Gradient (continued):
▪ Roll Gradient w/o ARB
▪ To calculate the roll gradient from the springs alone without ARB:
41
Roll Axis
Sprung wt
Cg
Direction of Turn
F
hRM
Where:
φnoARB= Roll Gradient w/o ARB (deg/g)
Ws = 3095 (lb)
hRM= 17.19(in)
K φSF = 502.4 (ft-lb/deg)
K φSR = 667.7 (ft-lb/deg)
42. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars
▪ Total stiffness due to springs:
▪ Anti-roll bars would then need to provide the difference to equal the Total Roll
Stiffness:
42
SR
SF
S K
K
K F
F
F +
=
S
B K
K
K F
F
F −
=
Where:
K FS = Total Spring Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K FSF = Front Spring Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K FSR = Rear Spring Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
Where:
K FB = Total ARB Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K F = Total Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K FS = Spring Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
43. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars (continued):
▪ Total stiffness due to springs:
▪ Anti-roll bars would then need to provide the difference to equal the Total Roll
Stiffness:
43
deg
/
1
.
1170
7
.
667
4
.
502
lb
ft
K
K
S
S
−
=
+
=
F
F
deg
/
6
.
1785
1
.
1170
7
.
2955
lb
ft
K
K
B
B
−
=
−
=
F
F
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
K FS = Total Spring Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K FSF = 502.4ft-lb/deg
K FSR = 667.7ft-lb/deg
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
K FB = Total ARB Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K F = 2955.7ft-lb/deg
K FS = 1170.1ft-lb/deg
44. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars (continued):
▪ To calculate the requirements of the front and rear anti-roll bars, it is important
to know the lateral load transfer distribution per g of acceleration.
▪ To insure initial understeer of the vehicle, calculate the Front Lateral Load
Transfer to be 5% above the total front weight distribution (WF + 5%).
44
ave
T
y T
h
W
A
TLT *
=
Where:
TLT = Total Load Transfer (lb)
Ay = Lateral acceleration (g)
WT = Total vehicle weight (lb)
h = vehicle CG height (in)
Tave = Average track width [(TF+TR)/2] (in)
%)
5
(
* +
= F
y
W
A
TLT
FLT
Where:
FLT = Front Load Transfer (lb)
TLT = Total Load Transfer (lb)
Ay = Lateral acceleration (g)
WF = Front vehicle weight (lb)
45. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars (continued):
▪ To calculate the requirements of the front and rear anti-roll bars, it is important
to know the lateral load transfer distribution per g of acceleration.
▪ To insure initial understeer of the vehicle, calculate the Front Lateral Load
Transfer to be 5% above the total front weight distribution (WF + 5%).
45
g
lb
A
TLT
y
/
49
.
1026
66
.
58
17
*
3542
=
=
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
TLT = Total Load Transfer (lb)
Ay = Lateral acceleration (g)
WT = 3542lb
h = 17in
Tave = 58.66in
lb
FLT
FLT
49
.
561
)
05
.
497
(.
*
49
.
1026
=
+
= Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
FLT = Front Load Transfer (lb)
TLT = 1026.49lb
Ay = 1g
WF %= 49.7%
46. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars (continued):
▪ To calculate the front body roll stiffness solve for KᶲF :
46
F
F
UF
F
F
SF
F
F
y T
RL
W
T
Z
W
T
K
A
FLT )
*
(
)
*
(
*
)
(
12
+
+
F
= F
Where:
FLT = Front Load Transfer (lb)
Ay = Lateral acceleration (g)
K FF = Front Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
F = (desired) Roll gradient (deg/g)
WSF = Sprung weight front (lb)
ZF = Roll center height front (in)
WUF = Unsprung weight front (lb)
RLF = Tire static load radius front (in)
TF = Front track width (in)
F
F
UF
F
F
SF
F
F
y T
RL
W
T
Z
W
K
T
A
FLT )
*
(
)
*
(
*
*
12
+
+
F
=
F
F
+
−
=
F
F
F
F
UF
F
F
SF
y
F
T
T
RL
W
T
Z
W
A
FLT
K
*
12
)
*
(
)
*
(
47. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars (continued):
▪ To calculate the front body roll stiffness solve for KᶲF :
47
deg
/
2
.
1643
307
.
/
47
.
504
93
.
43
09
.
13
)
(
307
.
0
49
.
561
66
.
58
)
27
.
12
*
210
(
66
.
58
)
497
.
*
4
.
1544
(
66
.
58
5
.
1
*
)
(
12
49
.
561
lb
ft
K
K
K
F
F
F
−
=
=
+
+
=
+
+
=
F
F
F
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
FLT = 561.49lb
Ay = 1g
K FF = Front Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
F = 1.5deg/g
WSF = 1544.4lb
ZF = 0.497in
WUF = 210lb
RLF = 12.27in
TF = 58.66in
48. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars (continued):
▪ To balance the body roll stiffness between the springs and the ARB, the front
anti-roll bar stiffness is calculated as:
▪ To balance the body roll stiffness between the springs and the ARB, the rear
anti-roll bar stiffness is calculated as:
48
SF
F
BF K
K
K F
F
F −
= Where:
K FBF = Front ARB Roll Stiffness Req’d (ft-lb/deg)
K FF = Front Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K FSF = Front Spring Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
SR
F
BR K
K
K
K F
F
F
F −
−
= Where:
K FBR = Rear ARB Roll Stiffness Req’d (ft-lb/deg)
K F = Total Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K FF = Front Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K FSR = Rear Spring Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
49. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars (continued):
▪ To balance the body roll stiffness between the springs and the ARB, the front
anti-roll bar stiffness is calculated as:
▪ To balance the body roll stiffness between the springs and the ARB, the rear
anti-roll bar stiffness is calculated as:
49
deg
/
8
.
1140
4
.
502
2
.
1643
lb
ft
K
K
BF
BF
−
=
−
=
F
F
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
K FBF = Front ARB Roll Stiffness Req’d (ft-lb/deg)
K FF = 1643.2ft-lb/deg
K FSF = 502.4ft-lb/deg
deg
/
8
.
644
7
.
667
2
.
1643
7
.
2955
lb
ft
K
K
BR
BR
−
=
−
−
=
F
F
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
K FBR = Rear ARB Roll Stiffness Req’d (ft-lb/deg)
K F = 2955.7ft-lb/deg
K FF = 1643.2ft-lb/deg
K FSR = 667.7ft-lb/deg
50. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars (continued):
▪ The front anti-roll bar suspension rate (lb/in) for body roll compensation can be
derived from the ARB stiffness as:
▪ The rear anti-roll bar suspension rate (lb/in) for body roll compensation can be
derived from the ARB stiffness as :
50
2
)
(
1375
*
F
BF
BF
T
K
K F
=
Where:
K BF = Front ARB Body Roll Rate (lb/in)
K FBF = Front ARB Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
TF = Front track width(in)
1375 = (2*180/*12)
2
)
(
1375
*
R
BR
BR
T
K
K F
=
Where:
K BR = Rear ARB Body Roll Rate (lb/in)
K FBR = Rear ARB Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
TR = Rear track width(in)
1375 = (2*180/*12)
51. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars (continued):
▪ The front anti-roll bar suspension rate (lb/in) for body roll compensation can be
derived from the ARB stiffness as:
▪ The rear anti-roll bar suspension rate (lb/in) for body roll compensation can be
derived from the ARB stiffness as :
51
lb/in
K
K
BF
BF
8
.
455
)
66
.
58
(
1375
*
8
.
1140
2
=
=
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
K BF = Front ARB Body Roll Rate (lb/in)
K FBF = 1140.8ft-lb/deg
TF = 58.66in
1375 = (2*180/*12)
lb/in
K
K
BR
BR
6
.
257
)
66
.
58
(
1375
*
8
.
644
2
=
=
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
K BR = Rear ARB Body Roll Rate (lb/in)
K FBR = 644.8ft-lb/deg
TR = 58.66in
1375 = (2*180/*12)
52. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars (continued):
▪ The anti-roll bars must apply their force through their motion ratios. Therefore:
▪ The front anti-roll bar rate is calculated as:
▪ The rear anti-roll bar rate is calculated as:
52
2
)
(
)
2
/
(
f
BF
bf
MR
K
K =
Where:
K bf = Front ARB Roll Rate (lb/in)
K BF = Front ARB Body Roll Rate (lb/in)
MRf = Front ARB motion ratio (in/in)
Where:
K br = Rear ARB Roll Rate (lb/in)
K BR = Rear ARB Body Roll Rate (lb/in)
MRr = Rear ARB motion ratio (in/in)
2
)
(
)
2
/
(
r
BR
br
MR
K
K =
53. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars (continued):
▪ The anti-roll bars must apply their force through their motion ratios. Therefore:
▪ The front anti-roll bar rate is calculated as:
▪ The rear anti-roll bar rate is calculated as:
53
lb/in
K
K
bf
bf
2
.
551
)
643
(.
)
2
/
8
.
455
(
2
=
=
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
K bf = Front ARB Roll Rate (lb/in)
K BF = 455.8lb/in
MRf = 0.643in/in
Example C3 Corvette Upgrade:
K br = Rear ARB Roll Rate (lb/in)
K BR = 257.6lb/in
MRr = 0.75in/in
lb/in
K
K
bf
bf
229
)
75
(.
)
2
/
6
.
257
(
2
=
=
54. BND TechSource
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Check Roll Gradient
▪ Roll Gradient w/ ARB
▪ To calculate the roll gradient from the full suspension including the ARB’s:
54
Where:
Φw/ARB= Roll Gradient w/ ARB (deg/g)
Ws = Sprung Weight (lb)
hRM= Roll moment arm length (in)
K φSF = Front Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K φSR = Rear Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K φBF = Front Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
K φBR = Rear Roll Stiffness (ft-lb/deg)
55. BND TechSource
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Check Roll Gradient
▪ Roll Gradient w/ ARB
▪ To calculate the roll gradient from the full suspension including the ARB’s:
55
Where:
Φw/ARB= Roll Gradient w/ ARB (deg/g)
Ws = 3095 (lb)
hRM= 17.19(in)
K φSF = 502.4 (ft-lb/deg)
K φSR = 667.7 (ft-lb/deg)
K φBF = 1140.8 (ft-lb/deg)
K φBR = 644.8 (ft-lb/deg)
56. BND TechSource
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Anti-Roll Bars
▪ Anti-roll bars perform in torsion. The deflection rate at the free end of
a torsion spring is:
56
Where:
G = Modulus of Rigidity
= Deflection
L
r
d
k
r
L
G
d
F
=
= 2
4
32
57. BND TechSource
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Anti-roll bars (independent suspension)
▪ The ARB stiffness (kᶲind bar) [ft-lb/deg] for this type of anti-roll bar
(torsion bar) is calculated as:
57
1375
)
(
*
2
*
*
2264
.
0
)
*
4422
.
0
(
)
000
,
500
(
2264
.
0
)
*
4422
.
0
(
)
000
,
500
( 2
2
3
2
4
3
2
4
r
t
MR
C
B
A
id
C
B
A
OD
k bar
ind
+
−
+
=
When one wheel hits a bump the anti-roll bar twists as the wheel is raised, and since the other wheel does
not move, the bar twists over its whole length (B). In roll the bar is twisted from both ends so its effective
length is half the actual length which doubles the one wheel rate of the anti-roll bar.
58. BND TechSource
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Anti-roll bars (solid axle)
▪ The ARB stiffness (kᶲsol bar) [ft-lb/deg] for this type of anti-roll bar
(torsion bar) is calculated as:
58
1375
)
(
*
2
*
000
,
178
,
1 2
2
1
2
2
4
r
t
r
r
A
L
D
k bar
sol
=
Where:
tr = track width (in)
(r2/r1) = Motion Ratio
When one wheel hits a bump the anti-roll bar twists as the wheel is raised, and since the other wheel does
not move, the bar twists over its whole length (L) . In roll the bar is twisted from both ends so its effective
length is half the actual length which doubles the one wheel rate of the anti-roll bar.
Pivot
r1
r2
59. BND TechSource
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Cornering Forces
▪ Centripetal vs. Centrifugal Force
▪ When the trajectory of an object travels on a closed path about a point -- either
circular or elliptical -- it does so because there is a force pulling the object in
the direction of that point. That force is defined as the CENTRIPETAL force.
▪ CENRTIFUGAL force is a force that operates in the opposite direction as the
CENTRIPETAL force. The centripetal force points inward - toward the center of
the turn (circle). The feeling of being "thrown outward“ is due to the inertia of
an object. Therefore, the inertial reaction could be considered by some as
centrifugal force.
59
60. BND TechSource
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Cornering Forces (continued):
▪ Centripetal Force
60
r
v
a
W
ma
F
g
T
c
c
2
*
=
=
FN = mag = WT (vertical forces cancel)
ac = centripetal acceleration
Example: C3 Corvette Upgrade
WT = 3542 lb
v = 35 mph = 51.33 ft/sec
r = 300 ft
ag = 32.2 ft/sec2
lb
ft
ft
ft
lb
Fc 966
300
sec)
/
33
.
51
(
*
sec
/
2
.
32
3542 2
2
=
=
WT = mag
61. BND TechSource
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Cornering Forces (continued):
▪ Lateral Acceleration (g’s)
61
WT = mag
=
=
=
=
a
r
v
a
r
v
a
g
c
c
/
2
2
FN = mag = WT (vertical forces cancel)
ac = centripetal acceleration
ag = acceleration due to gravity (1g)
Example: C3 Corvette Upgrade
WT = 3542 lb
v = 35 mph = 51.33 ft/sec
r = 300 ft
ag = 32.2 ft/sec2
as distance/sec2
as g’s s
g
ft
ft
ft/sec
a
ft/sec
ft
ft/sec
a
c
c
'
273
.
sec
/
2
.
32
300
/
)
33
.
51
(
78
.
8
300
)
33
.
51
(
2
2
2
2
=
=
=
=
62. BND TechSource
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Cornering Forces (continued):
▪ Friction Coefficient
▪ Friction coefficient between the tires and the road surface depends on many
factors:
62
Vehicle speed
Tire loading (Peak & Sliding)
Road type/condition
Camber thrust
Slip angles
Tire construction and material compounds
63. BND TechSource
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Cornering Forces (continued):
▪ Frictional Force
▪ If frictional force (Ff) is equal to centripetal force (Fc) the vehicle would be at its
limit of adhesion to the road.
63
WT = mag
FN = mag = WT (vertical forces cancel)
ac = centripetal acceleration
µ = Coefficient of Friction between tires and road
(dry pavement 0.7 – 0.9; wet pavement 0.2 – 0.4
depending on speed & load)
g
N
f ma
F
F
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
g
g
g
g
g
a
v
r
r
v
a
r
a
v
r
a
v
r
v
a
2
2
2
2
Max velocity for a
given radius and µ
Min radius for a
given velocity and
r
v
a
W
ma
F
g
T
c
c
2
*
=
=
64. BND TechSource
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Cornering Forces (continued):
▪ Frictional Force
▪ If frictional force (Ff) is equal to centripetal force (Fc) the vehicle would be at its
limit of adhesion to the road.
64
WT = mag
FN = mag = WT (vertical forces cancel)
ac = centripetal acceleration
µ = Coefficient of Friction between tires and road
(dry pavement 0.7 – 0.9; wet pavement 0.2 – 0.4
depending on speed & load)
Max velocity for a
given radius and µ
Min radius for a
given velocity and
Example: C3 Corvette Upgrade
WT = 3542 lb
v = 55 mph = 80.67 ft/sec
r = 300 ft
ag = 32.2 ft/sec2
µ = 0.86
65. BND TechSource
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Cornering Forces (continued):
▪ Cornering Force
▪ In the previous calculation we assumed all four tires at the same coefficient of
friction. However we know from previous roll calculations that each tire would
be loaded differently. Hence, the µ for each tire must be considered.
65
For more information please go to
https://bndtechsource.wixsite.com/home/c3-project-
docs and see: Susp_Project_Tasks_Calculator.xlsx
66. BND TechSource
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References:
1. Ziech, J., “Weight Distribution and Longitudinal Weight Transfer - Session 8,”
Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Western Michigan University.
2. Hathaway, R. Ph.D, “Spring Rates, Wheel Rates, Motion Ratios and Roll Stiffness,” Mechanical
and Aeronautical Engineering, Western Michigan University.
3. Gillespie, T. Ph.D, Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics, Society of Automotive Engineers
International, Warrendale, PA, February, 1992, (ISBN: 978-1-56091-199-9).
4. Reimpell, J., Stoll, H., Betzler, J. Ph.D, The Automotive Chassis: Engineering Principles, 2nd
Ed., Butterworth-Heinemann, Woburn, MA, 2001, (ISBN 0 7506 5054 0).
5. Milliken, W., Milliken, D., Race Car Vehicle Dynamics, Society of Automotive Engineers
International, Warrendale, PA, February, 1994, (ISBN: 978-1-56091-526-3).
6. Puhn, F., How to Make Your Car Handle, H.P. Books, Tucson, AZ, 1976 (ISBN 0-912656-46-8).
66
67. BND TechSource
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- END -
Vehicle Load Transfer
Part III of III
Lateral Load Transfer