Title: A study of the influence of rubber bushings on the audible frequency behaviour of a truck damper

Authors: Martin Östberg; Jenny Jerrelind; Leif Kari

Addresses: KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Department of Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering, Centre for ECO2 Vehicle Design, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden ' KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Department of Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering, Centre for ECO2 Vehicle Design, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden ' KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Department of Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering, Centre for ECO2 Vehicle Design, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract: The audible frequency range behaviour of a truck damper element, connected to surrounding structures by means of rubber bushings, is investigated, applying a mixed measurement/modelling procedure. The damper element properties are retrieved through an experimental procedure, while the rubber bushings are modelled using a finite element formulation including a realistic fractional derivative visco-elastic rubber model. Focus is on the influence of the subpart properties on the overall dynamic behaviour. It is found that, in the audible frequency range studied, ∼100-1000 Hz, an accurate model of the rubber bushings plays an important role, while the level of detail in the description of the dynamical behaviour of the damper element itself is less crucial, contributing mainly with its lumped mass; these results aid in the development of new, quiet vehicles.

Keywords: truck dampers; vehicle vibration; rubber bushings; measurement; finite element method; FEM; visco-elastic rubber; audible frequency; dynamic modelling; heavy vehicles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2014.068096

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2014 Vol.21 No.4, pp.281 - 294

Published online: 09 May 2015 *

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