Experimental and calculation method for determining the parameters of a car suspension with an elastic elastomeric element

Abstract

We present a suspension design the elastic elements of which are made of elastomers. This allows us to reduce the weight of unsprung parts of the vehicle significantly, which affects the quality of ride in a positive way. The aim of the study is to determine the elastic characteristic, the damping coefficient, the natural oscillation frequency of the sprung masses and the specific dynamic energy intensity of the suspension with elastomeric elastic elements. The determination of these parameters is carried out on the basis of experimental data got as a results of static and dynamic loading of a package of elastomeric elements. The elastic characteristic of the elastomeric element is obtained by static reduction and is not linear. Stiffness estimation of an elastomeric element for a specific point of characteristic or for a limited area is suggested. Also, there are significant friction losses during deformation, it is quite difficult to take them into account as a separate parameter when evaluating the elastomer damping properties. It is recommended to estimate their absorption capacity using a “conditional” damping coefficient. Its value is determined by the nature of the damped oscillations process under dynamic loading of an elastomeric elements package implemented on a special pendulum copra. The method of reducing the elastic characteristic and the damping coefficient of the elastomer to the “wheel” using graphoanalytic techniques is described in detail. The values of natural oscillation frequency and the energy intensity of the suspension with elastomeric elastic element are calculated based on the values of the suspension static and dynamic deflections and the forces in the tire contact with the supporting surface. Relying on experience in analyzing the standard car suspension parameters, it is concluded that using elastomeric elastic elements in the suspension design of trucks, buses and all-terrain vehicles is advisable.