Air suspension vs leaf suspension and axle torque loading

[321GO]

Hi guys,

i'm i correct that a trailer axle is more torque loaded on a air suspension setup than on a leaf suspension setup during roll over?

Furthermore the roll is handled quite different on both suspension types?

On a leaf setup cornering roll over is (mostly) handled by a rolling motion of the axle?

And on a air setup the cornering roll over is handled more by axle twist?

Peace

 

[LionelHutz]

It depends on the method used to locate the axle under the trailer.

 

[bradleyelwood]

I built quite a few trailer axle suspensions when I was a young engineer. The types of suspension/axle system I am referring to is 20,000 pound axles, in single, tandem or tri axle configuration. Air ride suspensions typically provide a low natural frequency vertically. SOME air suspensions are rigid in roll and get their stiffness from moment attachment of the trailing arm to the axle. Typical axles are 5 inch outside diameter, and 1/2" or 5/8" wall thickness. Think of the axle as a torsion bar. The result is that SOME air ride suspensions can be more rigid in roll than leat spring versions.

Conventional leaf spring suspensions get their roll stiffness by spring stiffness.


bradley elwood

 

[321GO]

Thanks!