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Modelling and analysis of suspension systems 165<br />

(WC) and another on the spindle axis (SA), taken in this example to be outboard<br />

of the wheel centre. The calculation of camber and steer angle is<br />

converted from radians to degrees by the factor (180/).<br />

4.5.5 Castor angle and suspension trail<br />

Castor angle, , is defined as the angle measured in the side elevation<br />

between the steering (kingpin) axis and the vertical. Castor angle is measured<br />

in degrees and taken as positive if the top of the steering axis leans towards<br />

the rear as shown in Figure 4.26.<br />

Suspension trail (TR) is the longitudinal distance in the x direction<br />

between the wheel base and the intersection between the steering axis and<br />

the ground. The suspension trail generates a measure of stability providing<br />

a moment arm for lateral tyre forces that will cause the road wheels to<br />

‘centre’. The suspension trail combines with tyre pneumatic trail, discussed<br />

in Chapter 5, and contributes to the steering ‘feel’.<br />

4.5.6 Steering axis inclination and ground level offset<br />

The steering axis inclination, , is defined as the angle measured in the<br />

front elevation between the steering (kingpin) axis and the vertical. The<br />

angle is measured in degrees and taken as positive if the top of the steering<br />

axis leans inwards as shown in Figure 4.27.<br />

Ground level offset (GO) is the lateral distance in the y direction between<br />

the wheel base and the intersection between the steering axis and the<br />

ground. The ground level offset is often referred to as the scrub radius as<br />

the amount of ‘scrub’ in the tyre as it steers will depend on the magnitude<br />

of the ground level offset.<br />

(180/π) ATAN(DX(UB,LB)/DZ(UB,LB))<br />

TR DX(WB,LB) DZ(LB,WB) * DX(UB,LB)/DZ(UB,LB)<br />

φ<br />

Upper ball joint<br />

marker (UB)<br />

Lower ball joint<br />

marker (LB)<br />

Z<br />

X<br />

Fig. 4.26<br />

Wheel base<br />

marker (WB)<br />

TR<br />

Intersection of steering<br />

axis with ground<br />

Calculation of castor angle and suspension trail

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