Quote:
Originally Posted by gps3300
Technically speaking, modern full size cars don't have bump stops anymore but "spring aids". On older vehicles a bump stop was simply a lump of rubber placed to stop a metal to metal clash at full jounce. Modern suspension designs tend to use a carefully tuned tapered cone of elastomer which engages much earlier than a bump stop and as I understand it works a bit like the concept of a dual-rate spring as the suspension arm loads up.
This idea can easily be recreated on a 1/10th buggy, however I'm not sure if a full size car uses them for handling or ride comfort (or perhaps both?).
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Spring aids is the correct modern term and they create a compound spring rate curve in combination with the spring. They are better than having a progressive spring as you have more options in terms of their characteristic and where they contact in the travel.
They perform multiple functions for handling in terms of balance and smoothness of breakaway as well as ride control on large bumps and providing the end stop for the suspension on potholes and such like. Quite time consuming and complicated to develop.
For an RC application the material simply can't be made soft enough to act as a spring aid but if it could then they would be quite advantageous.