Title: Design of a single-tube shock absorber with a pre-established characteristic diagram

Authors: Roberto Basso

Addresses: Dipartimento di Innovazione Meccanica e Gestionale, Universita di Padova, Via Venezia, 1, 35131 Padova, Italy

Abstract: The possibility of predetermining the characteristic diagram of a shock absorber is analysed by means of numerical simulation and evaluating the influence of some structural parameters on damping force. An iterative process is applied to determine the opening of the shim valve built into the piston. Characteristic diagram shows different parts, the slopes of which and the points of their changes are analysed by adjusting some structural features, to establish how to operate for obtaining predetermined shapes. The thickness of the shim valves and the preload on the extension valve have greater influence on damping force than other structural parameters.

Keywords: shock absorber design; damping forces; simulation; characteristic diagrams; vehicle performance; shim disc valves; shock absorbers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2010.033181

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2010 Vol.17 No.2, pp.179 - 195

Published online: 10 May 2010 *

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