Enter the total weight of the vehicle with passengers and the spring rate of the suspension into the calculator to determine the ride frequency.

Ride Frequency Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Ride Frequency.

f = 1/(2*pi)*SQRT(K/M)
  • Where f is the ride frequency (hz)
  • K is the spring rate/spring constant (N/M)
  • M is the mass of the vehicle with passengers (kg)

To calculate the ride frequency, first, determine the spring rate and the mass of the vehicle with passengers. Divide the spring constant by the mass, then take the square root. Next, multiply the result by 2 times pi. Finally, divide 1 by the result from the previous steps to get the ride frequency in hertz.

What is a Ride Frequency?

Definition:

Vehicle ride natural frequency is the frequency of oscillation of a vehicle due to its interaction with the ground.

Natural frequency is defined as the frequency at which a system vibrates due to an applied force (i.e. acceleration or deceleration). The term “natural” refers to the fact that this frequency will occur even if other forces are applied, such as external loads on the suspension system.

The natural frequency of a vehicle moving on a bumpy surface is determined by its suspension system, tires, mass and stiffness of the body.

The natural frequency of a vehicle may be calculated by measuring the period of oscillations caused by a step input.

This term is not limited to automobiles, but encompasses trains and other vehicles that run on rails or wheels.