Title: A novel suspension strut featuring constant resonance frequency

Authors: Chih-Hung G. Li

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Minghsin University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Xinxing Rd., Xinfeng Hsinchu 30401, Taiwan

Abstract: A novel suspension strut is developed for providing constant bouncing frequency for a wide range of vehicle loads. In general, the resonance frequency of a vehicle with a suspension of constant stiffness changes with the total load of the car. To keep the resonance frequency as a constant, non-linear spring stiffness is needed. The required spring characteristics are derived based on a simple mass-spring system, and they are realised by a series of elastomeric cones stacked for compression. Finite element analysis is used for calculating the force-displacement relationship of the cone. Prototypes are made, and the measured spring characteristics are found reasonably close to the requirements. Dynamic testing verifies that for sprung mass ranging from 20 kg to 100 kg, the frequency variation of the elastomeric strut is only 20%, compared to 110% of that of a conventional coil spring.

Keywords: vehicle suspension; suspension strut; constant resonance frequency; finite element analysis; FEA; elastomer; rubber; shock absorbers; vehicle vibration; monorail vehicles; nonlinear spring stiffness; elastomeric cones; compression; force-displacement relationship; elastomeric struts.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2015.073193

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2015 Vol.22 No.4, pp.293 - 310

Received: 05 Dec 2013
Accepted: 26 Dec 2014

Published online: 27 Nov 2015 *

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