Tuned mass dampers have been used by the Renault Formula 1 Team to offset the loss in grip that can be caused by dynamic suspension loads. As tyres deflect vertically there can be a loss in contact pressure of the tyre on the track surface. Tuned mass dampers essentially provided a sprung mass on the chassis which counteracts the vertical forces that the suspension exerts on the car, smoothing out the load disturbances at the tyre contact patch. Such a device was successfully used in Formula 1 cars until a regulation change.
In an alternative approach, inerters have been used in suspension systems to provide an inertial reaction which dynamically counteracts spring forces, such as suspension spring forces from coil or torsion springs. While inerters are less effective at smoothing out load disturbances at the tyre contact patch than tuned mass dampers, their inertial force can still be used to partially cancel net dynamic forces which would otherwise disturb the grip and handling of the car.
. It will have taken a good few months, at least some of which will have been writing the legal copy.
