An analysis on the compliance steering characteristics of five-link dependent rear suspension with multi-body dynamics

An intuitive mechanics explanation is given of the mechanism of compliance steering characteristics in a five-link dependent rear suspension and the lateral forces in rear suspension are analyzed. A kinematic model for rear suspension and a dynamic model for the vehicle are built respectively with multi-body dynamics software ADAMS, and the corresponding simulations are conducted. The results show that the horizontal location of Panhard rod relative to rear axle basically determines the behavior of steer: compliance over-steer or under-steer; the horizontal location of two inclined upper links relative to rear axle and the bending stiffness of link bushings have certain effects on the compliance steering characteristics of rear suspension. Finally the real vehicle test verifies the correctness of the models built.