Title: Modelling rolling-lobe air springs

Authors: M.N. Fox, R.L. Roebuck, D. Cebon

Addresses: Cambridge University Engineering Department, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK. ' Cambridge University Engineering Department, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK. ' Cambridge University Engineering Department, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK

Abstract: A semi-empirical mathematical model of a rolling-lobe air spring is proposed. It consists of an adiabatic gas volume, accounting for compression of air within the spring, a friction element accounting for friction between the rubber and the piston, and a velocity-dependent damping term. Tests were conducted on three different air springs in order to find parameters to characterise the model. The model provided accurate results for low and medium frequency testing. Above 30 Hz, discrepancies between the measured and modelled data were observed. These were due to excitation of resonances of the pressurised air spring|s rubber membrane.

Keywords: air springs; suspension; heavy vehicles; dynamics; mathematical modelling; friction; damping.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2007.015603

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2007 Vol.14 No.3, pp.254 - 270

Published online: 02 Nov 2007 *

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