Analysis of the Influence of Twist Beam Arrangement on Ride and Handling Performance

In order to improve the ride and handling performance for newly developed vehicles with twist beam suspension, based on a mature vehicle, we studied the influence of different twist beam arrangements on ride and handling performance by simulation. First, we built high-precision multi-body dynamics models for steering system, suspension system and whole vehicle. Based on K&C and handling test data, the calibration accuracy of K&C characteristics reached about 92.89% and 78.30%, and the calibration accuracy of step steer and constant radius cornering condition reached about 85.19% and 98.74%. Then, comparison simulation experiments for different schemes were carried out and the results show that handling performance is mainly affected by the arrangement of twist beam, and ride performance is mainly affected by the height difference between the wheel center point and mounting point. So, when we design twist beam, we need to consider the influence of difference in height between mounting point and wheel center point on ride performance first, and then we need to consider the influence of main beam's arrangement on handling performance. These ensures that ride and handling performance can reach a high level.