Design of a suspension of a training sulky

A design study based on a modelling approach was used to optimise the characteristics of a new concept of suspension for training sulkies. The numerical model of sulky including the suspension and, in a second stage, a mechanical model of driver, allowed the definition of technical specifications. They were used to manufacture a prototype of suspension mounted on a current production model of sulky. The prototype of suspension was then tested in the lab and in a racecourse in real conditions of use.The resulting vibration exposure was assessed from vibration measurements. It was slightly lower than the limit value enacted in the European Vibration directive (1.15 m s2), but drastically reduced in comparison with the exposure measured on the original sulky (2.56 m s2). The prototype and moreover the design procedure is currently in a transfer process towards sulky manufacturers.