Title: Gas damper: potential vehicle performance studied on a full-car model

Authors: Jorge G. Prada; Jordi Vinolas; Xabier Carrera

Addresses: CEIT and Tecnun (University of Navarra), Manuel de Lardizábal 15, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain ' CEIT and Tecnun (University of Navarra), Manuel de Lardizábal 15, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain ' X Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA, Hoge-Wei 33, B-1930 Zaventem, Belgium

Abstract: The Gas Damper (GD) uses gas as internal fluid, obtaining an important dependency on operating frequency and stroke amplitude. The potential performance of GD was analysed previously using a quarter-car model, and offered a new approach to the traditional ride/handling trade-off, especially in off-road vehicles. This paper studies the GD influence on a vehicle's performance using a more complete model (full-car) to confirm its suitability for that kind of vehicle and also to completely understand the GD behaviour. This is evaluated by assessing ride isolation, road-holding, body control and rollover stability, and is compared to the performance of a hydraulic suspension.

Keywords: vehicle performance; roll stability; vehicle suspension; vibration control; off-road vehicles; vehicle dynamics; gas dampers; ride comfort; vehicle handling; suspension design; vehicle design; vehicle vibration; operating frequency; stroke amplitude; full-car model; dynamic modelling; ride isolation; road holding; car body control; rollover stability; hydraulic suspension.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2014.058478

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2014 Vol.64 No.2/3/4, pp.214 - 239

Received: 02 Apr 2011
Accepted: 27 Jul 2011
Published online: 30 Oct 2014 *

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