Chassis Suspension Analysis & Optimization Workflow
Analyze suspension geometry and optimize chassis performance against engineering constraints
What You Can Do
You can systematically analyze suspension geometry, load paths, and component interactions to validate design decisions and identify optimization opportunities. Claude acts as your collaborative design partner to map force distributions, explore how geometry changes affect performance characteristics, compare suspension architectures, and reconcile conflicting engineering constraints in independent double-wishbone, multi-link, and other suspension systems.
Features
Calculate roll centers, instant centers, wheel rates, and anti-squat/lift characteristics from suspension geometry inputs
Map force routing through suspension linkages to understand stress distribution and identify critical load paths
Analyze how changes to mounting points, link lengths, and angles affect camber curves, toe curves, and performance targets
Identify incompatible engineering requirements and brainstorm design strategies to reconcile packaging, NVH, durability, and performance constraints
Systematically evaluate competing suspension concepts or competitor architectures using structured trade-off analysis
Create structured design justifications and technical presentations for cross-functional teams
Rapidly generate multiple design alternatives and evaluate feasibility against your specific constraints
Example Output
Example 1: Load Path Analysis
Input: Double-wishbone suspension with upper/lower arm mounting points and specific link dimensions
Output:
- Primary load path: Wheel vertical load → upper ball joint → upper arm structure → frame attachment
- Secondary path: Lower arm carries lateral loads from tire contact patch
- Critical stress concentration: Upper arm inner attachment (56% of vertical load)
- Bending moment distribution through each link element
Example 2: Geometry Trade-Off Exploration
Input: Target camber range -2° to +0.5°, packaging constraint on upper mount height
Output:
- Current geometry produces -2.2° to +0.3° (meets target)
- Moving upper mount 15mm inboard increases toe-out on jounce by 0.4°
- Lengthening upper arm by 20mm shifts roll center 8mm outboard, reducing body roll by 3%
- Recommendation: Extend upper arm; retune bumpsteer with toe link geometry
Example 3: Constraint Conflict Identification
Input: NVH requirement for low suspension stiffness, durability requirement for stiffness against bushing wear
Output:
- Conflict identified: Lower bushing stiffness improves NVH but increases compliance-induced toe change
- Resolution options with trade-off analysis for each
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file: Core workflow and structured analysis methodology
- Suspension Geometry Input Template: Standardized format for providing mounting points, link dimensions, and constraints
- Load Path Analysis Checklist: Step-by-step verification framework for force routing validation
- Constraint Mapping Worksheet: Table format for documenting conflicting requirements and resolution strategies
- Design Trade-Off Framework: Structured comparison matrix for evaluating suspension architecture alternatives
Who It's For
- Chassis engineers — Validating suspension geometry and optimizing kinematic performance
- Suspension design specialists — Exploring architecture alternatives and load path optimization
- Vehicle dynamics engineers — Analyzing how suspension geometry affects handling and NVH
- Design teams — Documenting design rationale and presenting constraint trade-offs to stakeholders
- Manufacturing engineers — Identifying packaging and buildability constraints early in suspension design
Best For
- Kinematic analysis and roll center calculations for independent and multi-link suspensions
- Load path verification and stress distribution mapping through suspension linkages
- Geometry optimization to meet camber, toe, and anti-squat/lift targets
- Identifying and resolving conflicting engineering constraints (packaging vs. performance, NVH vs. stiffness)
- Rapid iteration and comparison of competing suspension design concepts
- Cross-functional design documentation and technical justification for suspension decisions
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