Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris - Melb
I am no suspension expert, but the rate of compression for springs on cars that only have one spring does not vary, hence linear.
When two springs are employed, that is no longer the case.
The image link below is of a model remote control drift car (I didn't know there was such a thing either!), but the principle is the same.
It shows the softer spring, marked with white, compressing before the harder yellow spring does, so the rate varies.
I imagine one advantage would be allowing more rear squat to allow more weight transfer to the rear under acceleration out of corners, and more grip, without hitting the bump stops.
I guess there are advantages at the front with turn in, or maybe getting the splitter closer to the ground for more aero downforce, or hitting curbs easier, but I am only guessing.
Not sure if the images are showing a different result depending on which spring is on the bottom:
http://d2yankidori.weebly.com/upload...496309.jpg?335 |
Not quite. It is possible to get a varying spring rate on a single spring.
What you are describing above is the action of a tender spring, normally employed to keep the primary spring seated on full droop (very low spring rate, normally compressed fully by the static weight of the car). It can also be used to play a more active role by giving it a higher rate, that would be effectively a spring with two rates (2x single (but different) rates).
It makes no difference if the 'tender spring' is on the top or bottom of the stack.
I don't follow Supercars, so I am not sure what they are/were doing, and exactly what a 'twin spring' setup would be in that context. The above is based on my understanding of setting up a suspension running tender springs on all four corners.