Quasi-static shock absorber friction at low velocity reciprocating sliding conditions

Abstract

The characteristics of vehicle shock absorbers have a major significance regarding vehicle dynamics, thus affecting vehicle ride comfort, handling and safety. Although much research focuses particularly on the hydraulic damping properties of this vital suspension component, friction properties are not considered in great detail. However, for driving scenarios of low excitation and velocity of the shock absorber due to moderate roughness of the road, the friction force generated by the shock absorbers and the remaining components is particularly important regarding the transfer of vibration from the road to the passenger. Hence, this study investigates the sensitivity of shock absorber friction to various parameters in the quasi-static domain. The effects of side force, temperature, excitation amplitude and waveform are determined for multiple shock absorbers. The results show no significant influence of the amplitude and waveform used in the conducted tests. Contrarily, the friction force strongly depends on the side force, which represents the variable load perpendicular to the shock absorber’s main axis arising during various driving events for MacPherson suspensions. An increased temperature reduces the side force effect.