【正文】
附錄:英文原材料How Car Suspensions WorkWithout an intervening structure, all of wheel39。s vertical energy is transferred to the frame, which moves in the same direction. In such a situation, the wheels can lose contact with the road pletely. Then, under the downward force of gravity, the wheels can slam back into the road surface. What you need is a system that will absorb the energy of the vertically accelerated wheel, allowing the frame and body to ride undisturbed while the wheels follow bumps in the road.The study of the forces at work on a moving car is called vehicle dynamics, and you need to understand some of these concepts in order to appreciate why a suspension is necessary in the first place. Most automobile engineers consider the dynamics of a moving car from two perspectives: Ride a car39。s ability to smooth out a bumpy road Handling a car39。s ability to safely accelerate, brake and corner These two characteristics can be further described in three important principles road isolation, road holding and cornering. The table below describes these principles and how engineers attempt to solve the challenges unique to each. PrincipleDefinitionGoalSolutionRoad IsolationThe vehicle39。s ability to absorb or isolate road shock from the passenger partmentAllow the vehicle body to ride undisturbed while traveling over rough roads.Absorb energy from road bumps and dissipate it without causing undue oscillation in the vehicle.Road HoldingThe degree to which a car maintains contact with the road surface in various types of directional changes and in a straight line (Example: The weight of a car will shift from the rear tires to the front tires during braking. Because the nose of the car dips toward the road, this type of motion is known as dive. The opposite effect squat occurs during acceleration, which shifts the weight of the car from the front tires to the back.)Keep the tires in contact with the ground, because it is the friction between the tires and the road that affects a vehicle39。s ability to steer, brake and accelerate.Minimize the transfer of vehicle weight from side to side and front to back, as this transfer of weight reduces the tire39。s