Impact and Assessment of Suspension Stiffness on Vibration Propagation into Vehicle

The impact of transport-induced vibrations on people is a particularly important problem. Sudden or intensifying vibration phenomena of a local nature may compromise safety, especially in transport. The paper addresses the results of research on the impact of spring stiffness parameters on the propagation of vibrations in the vehicle structure using simple amplitude and frequency measures. The use of the developed method of selective multi-criteria analysis of frequency bands made it possible to compare the vibrations recorded in the vehicle with a new or worn coil spring. The results of the present study allow the development of a large data base in which all signals are classified by the exploitation parameters and location of the propagation of vibration in the vehicle. The most important findings and achievements of the presented study are the testing of actual suspension components with real damage under controlled conditions, the identification of the vibration propagation path from the wheel to the driver and passenger feet, the quantitative comparison of vibrations affecting humans in the vehicle (through the feet), and the frequency decomposition of vibration for selected bands. These findings improve the proper interpretation of the developed measures and, as a result, the difficulties in using this knowledge at the engineering level, for example, in the design and construction improvement stage. Therefore, innovation points and engineering significances are a method of selective multi-criteria analysis of frequency bands and have potential applications in diagnostics and the design of suspension systems and in terms of passengers’ comfort.