Influence of a nonlinear asymmetric shock absorber on vibration of a bus subjected to harmonic excitation

The main focus of paper is to get full understanding of four different types of shock absorbers characteristics and their effects on the vertical evaluation indexes of a bus subjected to harmonic excitation. The quarter car with two degree of freedom (2DOF) model was employed to calculate the vertical evaluation indexes. The bus is assumed to travel at a constant velocity on a road surface with a profile following a sinusoidal function. The four types of the shock absorber are Linear Symmetric (LS), Nonlinear Symmetric (NS), Linear Asymmetric (LA), and Nonlinear Asymmetric (NA). As for the LS type, the damping force is a linear function of the relative velocity, and the damping force is symmetric for the conditions of the positive and negative relative velocities. Same as for the LA type, it means that the damping force is linear, however it is asymmetric and differentiated according to the suspension state of stroke (compression or extension). As for the NS type, the damping force function is symmetric, nonlinear, differentiated according to the magnitude of the relative velocity. As for the last NA type, the damping force function is also nonlinear and differentiated according to the magnitude of the relative velocity, but it is also asymmetric. The obtained evaluation indexes of the relative displacement of the bus suspension, acceleration of the bus body, and the dynamic tire load within the frequency range of 0 and 25 (Hz), the common frequency range of the bus in operations. The results suggest that the NA shock absorber type is more effective in reducing the suspension dynamic deflection stroke, improving the road holding and maintaining the ride comfort. The systematic assessments of the shock absorber characteristics should guide interested readers in selecting the most appropriate damping coefficient.