Title: Characterisation and comparison of the dynamic properties of conventional and electro-rheological fluid shock absorbers

Authors: S.O. Oyadiji, P. Sarafianos

Addresses: Division of Mechanical Engineering, Manchester School ofEngineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. Division of Mechanical Engineering, Manchester School ofEngineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

Abstract: The dynamic mechanical properties of a conventional standard hydraulic oil (SHO)-filled and an electro-rheological fluid (ERF)-filled shock absorber for automotive applications are characterised and compared. The conventional shock absorber is for a medium range British car, which has fixed settings of stiffness and damping ratings. The ERF shock absorber is a development at the University of Manchester. The measured dynamic properties of the shock absorbers are modelled using a non-parametric approach based on the restoring force surface method and Chebyshev polynomial approximation. It is shown that the conventional shock absorber is relatively soft in compression but relatively hard in extension, whereas the ERF shock absorber is relatively soft in extension but relatively hard in compression. It is also shown that the dynamic properties of the SHO and ERF shock absorbers are highly non-linear and that the damping forces they produce are more dependent on relative velocity than on relative displacement.

Keywords: electrorheological fluid; shock absorber; vibration damper; vibration and shock loading; suspension systems; semi-active suspension; stiffness and damping requirements; ride comfort and vehicle handling; restoring force surface; Chebyshev polynomial.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2003.003565

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2003 Vol.33 No.1/2/3, pp.251 - 278

Published online: 08 Oct 2003 *

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