SHOCK-ABSORBER AND ITS INFLUENCE ON VEHICULAR SUSPENSION

The role of the shock absorber is outlined. Theoretical aspects are studied including the problem of symmetrical and asymmetrical damping, and that of the compromise between comfort and road holding. The integration of the shock absorber in the suspension system is examined, and the best solution described. Contrary to the general opinion, the law of effort as a function of speed does not completely describe the performance of a hydraulic shock absorber. The operation of shock absorbers is analyzed from the point of view of fluid mechanics, transmission of vibrations and by hysteresis. The desirable characteristics of a shock absorber are listed and compared with those of the different devices used at the present time. Different methods of representing the characteristics of a shock absorber are evaluated, and a simple method easy to interpret is proposed. The damping characteristics of several vehicles are represented so as to show the possible differences.

• Corporate Authors:

  Societe des Ingenieurs de l'Automobile

  254 Rue de Vaugirard
  Paris 153,   France 
• Authors:
  • Avner, D
• Publication Date: 1973-5

Language

• French

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 367-374
• Serial:
  • Journal de la SIA
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Societe des Ingenieurs de l'Automobile

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Damping (Physics); Fluid mechanics; Hysteresis; Shock absorbers; Stability (Mechanics); Suspension systems; Vibration
• Old TRIS Terms: Suspension (Stability)
• ITRD Terms: 9138: Comfort; 3840: Installation; 5925: Properties; 1329: Suspension (veh); 1646: Vehicle handling; 5558: Vibration
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00142566
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 16 1977 12:00AM