Development and verification of a shock absorber and its shim valve model based on the force method principles

Abstract

In this paper, a mathematical model of a monotube shock absorber’s shim valve, which is developed by applying the force (flexibility) method, is described. This method expresses the relationship between displacements and the forces existing in the shock absorber structure. An application of the force method in the field of practical modification of vehicle shock absorbers enables to effectively analyse the influence of a wide range of parameters, including the number of shims in the valve, their disposition and the properties of the material on the level of the damping force. The damping of the shock absorber considerably impacts comfort and road holding characteristics of the vehicle. In addition, a whole model of a monotube shock absorber is designed in this paper. The validation and practical application of the mathematical model were evaluated by carrying out experimental measuring of the characteristics of the shock absorber using a special stand.