Abstract
Dynamic performances of the rear suspension of a mountain bike (bicycle) equipped with colloidal damper are experimentally investigated. A novel design of the colloidal damper is proposed: colloid is introduced inside of a tank that is separated by a filter from the main cylinder in which a controlled quantity of water is supplied. A three degree of freedom vibration model is used to estimate the transfer function. All the components of the bicycle were weighted and all the mass elements introduced in the model were evaluated. After computation of the spring constants of all elastic elements, the values obtained were confirmed through impulse tests. Relation between the tire spring constant and the air pressure was found by compression tests. Method of the logarithmic decrement was used to evaluate the damping coefficient of the saddle. Actual suspension (compression helical spring mounted in parallel with an air damper) and the trial colloidal suspension were dynamically tested on a classical fatigue machine and the damping coefficient was determined. Then, during travel tests of the mountain bike on joy-steps and half-sinusoidal steps, the performances of the actual and colloidal rear suspensions were evaluated. Concretely, from vibrations measured on the frame and saddle, the ride-comfort factor and the transmissibility factor of vibrations from the rough pavement to the bicycle's frame were evaluated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
