Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 14:51:01 -0400
From: Paul Foster <pfoster@gdi.net>
Subject: Semi-Trailing Arm Next Ralph Nader No No???
<<<FWIW the likely cause of the E30's propensity to roll
<is the semi-trailing-arm layout of the rear
<suspension. The roll center of such a design is very
<high compared to a strut or double A-arm design, which
<means that cornering forces tend to lift the body,
<which raises the roll center, which lifts the body
<more, and so on until the center of gravity moves
<outside the tire contact patch and the car rolls.
Paraphrased from Chassis Engineering by Herb Adams
Raising the roll center height does the exact opposite. The higher the
roll center the less roll angle. Because of the less leverage produced by
the roll center. The lower the roll center the higher the roll angle.
Brett Whisenant
Wizard Motorsports
#73 914
"STREET IS NEAT"
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