Nonlinear Stiffness Characteristics and Model of Air Spring for Mattress based on Finite Element and Numerical Analysis

Abstract

AbstractTo investigate the nonlinear stiffness characteristics and the model of an air spring for mattresses on arbitrary working conditions, a finite element model of an air spring is established, modified by response surface method and verified by uniaxial compression experiment on conditions of different initial inner pressure. Then the static stiffness characteristics on arbitrary working conditions are analyzed by finite element analysis in ABAQUS. In addition, the model for engineering control is established and the stiffness characteristics are analyzed by numerical method under working conditions. The results demonstrate the nonlinear stiffness of an air spring is positively correlated with the inner pressure and compression displacement. Additionally, a finite element model is established with average relative error ratio of 0.059 and 0.074 on conditions of compression by 20 and 30 mm, respectively, satisfying engineering requirement. Moreover, the stiffness model of an air spring on any working conditions is established by fitting surfacecontaining compression displacement and inner pressure at equilibrium position then calculating its partial derivative with respect to compression displacement. The present study suggests the nonlinear stiffness prediction model of an air spring is applicable to any working conditions, only requiring inner pressure at initial and equilibrium conditions.