4 Link Calculator

fabcam · #1 02-15-2006, 03:01 PM

4 Link Calculator

I think I get asked once a week for this software. I know there is a free spread sheet out there and a couple of programs guys have written, however, customers would like for me to come up with something. I don't know if they lack what people are looking for or what is going on.

Here is the problem; I don't know anything about it and the math behind it. This is not a big deal because "I can educate myself" with your help.

If you are interested in working with me on this and have some ideas to contribute that would be great. Even a reference to a book I can purchase would be helpful.

TheBandit · #2 02-15-2006, 04:20 PM

Cris,

I took ground vehicle dynamics here at Cal Poly. Most of the stuff you will want to know can be found in Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics by Thomas D. Gillespie. The book isn't perfect, but it will definitely get you up to speed on all the suspension terminology and many calculations. There is also a book by Millikin that is very good.

I have a whole lot of great lecture notes from my class and the book. If you would like to borrow them, let me know and I can ship them to you. I do want them back eventually, but there's no rush.

I think you still have my phone number if you need to reach me. Otherwise email clint@extremefabricator.com

smashmetal · #3 02-15-2006, 05:27 PM

http://www.gregblanchette.com/pages/1/index.htm

Here is something that might help, it's a 4 link caculator, don't know if you've seen one already or not. For some of use that don't understand the fundimentals it kind of hard to understand

BadDog · #4 02-15-2006, 06:16 PM

That's the one written by Dan (Triaged) with Greg's help, but it's out of date. Look in one of the top tech stickies at CK5 in the CoG forum for the latest stuff. At one time Dan was going to do a stand-alone program, but I don't know what came of it. Frankly, IMO, for 4 links (and even 3 links with the new version) the xls is perfectly fine...

Stomper4x4 · #5 02-16-2006, 01:13 AM

I have Dan(Triaged)'s latest version of the calc hosted on my web site
http://www.highvibesoffroad.com/Garage.html

Jpfab · #6 02-16-2006, 02:20 AM

I agree Vehicle dynamics is a good source. I had alot of trouble understanding it, But I usualy have to just do it to really understand it.

I had another loaned to me, that was good but can't remember the name. it was a bit simpler.

Vehicle dynamics is a spendy book,,, try and find it used or do what I did order it in on a library loan.

TheBandit · #7 02-16-2006, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBandit

I have a whole lot of great lecture notes from my class and the book. If you would like to borrow them, let me know and I can ship them to you. I do want them back eventually, but there's no rush.

Not interested?

fabcam · #8 02-16-2006, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBandit

Not interested?

You caught me sleeping. Send me whatever you can. I promise to get them back to you. Thanks Clint.

CaptainAirTime · #9 02-17-2006, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBandit

Cris,

Most of the stuff you will want to know can be found in Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics by Thomas D. Gillespie. The book isn't perfect, but it will definitely get you up to speed on all the suspension terminology and many calculations. There is also a book by Millikin that is very good.

I've got both of those, and there is a lot of info in there. Much of it is not rellevant to a long travel off road suspension, but the terminology and basics are good. A lot more compromises need to be made to get long travel, but then big squishy tires and rough ground can mask all sorts of evils, so it works out pretty good. The ExcelCAD v2.1 I find very useful, but v3.0 I've never managed to make function properly for some reason.

A number of years ago, Peterson's 4WOR mag did an article on building a rear link suspension that I found amazingly good, for a magazine article. Considering that they usually can't get names and details right when they are supplied in writing, I was pretty impressed.

Other than the Triaged programs, and that single mag article, there is very little out there for relevant info. Still a LOT more than whats available for SLA IFS tho. Now THAT was a research project! First topic that the internet has completely disappointed me on.

TheBandit · #10 03-15-2006, 07:57 PM

Cris,

USPS delivery headed your way. I couldn't find my personal notes, but I think you will have your hands full with the lecture notes. They are EXCELLENT. The book is so so, but the lecture notes will really get you on your way.

Tracking number
0305 0830 0001 8684 0983

Can I be on the alpha testing team for this product?

sapper · #11 03-16-2006, 02:53 AM

I would love to test something like this out also.

I think for many the ability to see the links and their motion threw a suspension cycle would be a fantasic tool as well as the effect on IC,AS,AD.

Also don't leave out front suspensions as well. Include a track bar variable as well as radius arm setups like many of the desert crowd seem to run. Don't limit the product to just rock crawlers as the market in the sand seems to be as big if not bigger.

You may even want to contactTriaged and to a co-op on this kind of project.

Looking forward to the outcome of this and I am hoping it is before I weld up my links with the 1(1/4)" Evo hiems to find out later there is something I would like to change.

Jpfab · #12 03-16-2006, 03:13 AM

I would be interested also, I plan to coil the 5 with triangulated 4 link and it would make a good test vehicle.. Cause if it ain't right I will just go break it and start over!!!

fabcam · #13 03-22-2006, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBandit

Cris,

USPS delivery headed your way. I couldn't find my personal notes, but I think you will have your hands full with the lecture notes. They are EXCELLENT. The book is so so, but the lecture notes will really get you on your way.

Tracking number
0305 0830 0001 8684 0983

Can I be on the alpha testing team for this product?

Bandit,

Got it a couple of days ago. Forgot to post up. Thanks man. I will get what I need out of the books as soon as I can.

TheBandit · #14 03-22-2006, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fabcam

Bandit,

Got it a couple of days ago. Forgot to post up. Thanks man. I will get what I need out of the books as soon as I can.

No problem and no rush.

Hope you liked the LinkTech logo!

fabcam · #15 03-22-2006, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBandit

No problem and no rush.

Hope you liked the LinkTech logo!

The logo was the best. One of the other guys here opened the package and wondered what the heck I was up to now.

scootek · #16 09-24-2006, 10:15 PM

Is anything happening on this?

fabcam · #17 09-25-2006, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scootek

Is anything happening on this?

Not yet. It will be awhile. You should see the stack of projects I need to get done in the next couple of months. I may need to lock myself in my office again.

scootek · #18 09-25-2006, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fabcam

I may need to lock myself in my office again.

my roomy is a locksmith, Ill send you some high security locks...

TheBandit · #19 03-25-2009, 09:39 PM

Hey fabcam, do you still have my books? Hope you are putting them to use!