In this paper the process of finding the right rear axle concept and integrating it into the architecture of the New Opel Astra's suspension was described. The front axle is mainly derived from the Opel Insignia (Global Midsize Platform) whereas the rear axle used in the Global Compact Platform needed to be further investigated. In the first part the requirements for the rear axle have been discussed. This included an analysis and measure comparison between the possible rear suspensions of the Global Compact Car Platform regarding performance, cost & weight and development aspects. The considered suspensions were the Opel Compound Crank axle, the 4-Link axle and the Compliant H-Arm axle. Based on the results it was shown that a design evolution of the Opel CC axle was the best concept to go forward with. The second part of the paper deals with the development of the Opel Astra CC with Watt Link. With knowing the weak points of an Opel CC axle in terms of being used as an uplevel suspension the needed modifications were explained. Due to the condensed functionality of the A-Bushing of the Opel CC axle the additional lateral support by a Watt Link was needed to decouple in a certain way the longitudinal and lateral force build up in the A-Bushing. With simulation and test results the functionality of the new concept of the Opel Astra CC with Watt Link has been proven. Finally a second performance analysis was made to compare the Opel CC with Watt Link towards the 4-Link and Compliant H-Arm axle. The outcome showed that the approach of improving the well known Opel CC axle was successful and that the concept is able to fulfill the uplevel requirements of the Global Compact Car Platform.
The new Opel Astra rear axle. From concept selection to the final solution
Die Hinterachse des neuen Opel Astra. Von der Konzeptauswahl zur Endlösung
2010
17 Seiten, 18 Bilder
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
The new Opel Astra rear axle - from concept selection to the final solution
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