• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.520-528
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• 2005

In this study, a new mathematical dynamic model of displacement sensitive shock absorber (DSSA) is proposed to predict the dynamic characteristics of automotive shock absorber. The performance of shock absorber is directly related to the vehicle behaviors and performance, both for handling and ride comfort. The proposed model of the DSSA has two modes of damping force (i.e. soft and hard) according to the position of piston. In this paper, the performance of the DSSA is analyzed by considering the transient zone for more exact dynamic characteristics. For the mathematical modeling of DSSA, flow continuity equations at the compression and rebound chamber are formulated. And the flow equations at the compression and rebound stroke are formulated, respectively. Also, the flow analysis at the reservoir chamber is carried out. Accordingly, the damping force of the shock absorber is determined by the forces acting on the both side of piston. The analytic result of damping force characteristics are compared with the experimental results to prove the effectiveness. Especially, the effects of displacement sensitive orifice area and the effects of displacement sensitive orifice length on the damping force are observed, respectively. The results reported herein will provide a better understanding of the shock absorber.