Hydropneumatic suspension
Hydropneumatic suspension is a type of motor vehicle suspension system, designed by Paul Magès, invented by Citroën, and fitted to Citroën cars, as well as being used under licence by other car manufacturers. Similar systems are also widely used on modern tanks and other large military vehicles. The suspension was referred to as Suspension oléopneumatique in early literature, pointing to oil and air as its main components.
High position
Low position
Citroën suspension sphere
Challenger 2, main battle tank of the British army, uses hydropneumatic suspension for better crew comfort and increased firing accuracy.
Suspension is the system of tires, tire air, springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels and allows relative motion between the two. Suspension systems must support both road holding/handling and ride quality, which are at odds with each other. The tuning of suspensions involves finding the right compromise. It is important for the suspension to keep the road wheel in contact with the road surface as much as possible, because all the road or ground forces acting on the vehicle do so through the contact patches of the tires. The suspension also protects the vehicle itself and any cargo or luggage from damage and wear. The design of front and rear suspension of a car may be different.
Part of car front suspension and steering mechanism: tie rod, steering arm, king pin axis (using ball joints).
Van Diemen RF01 Racing Car Suspension.
American carriage showcasing thoroughbrace suspension—note the black straps running across the side of the undercarriage
The front suspension components of a Ford Model T.