Fluid flow modeling of a four-stage damping adjustable shock absorber and its experimental research

Purpose In order improve the ride comfort of vehicle suspension, this article firstly proposed a shock absorber with four stages adjustable damping forces. To validate its modelling and characteristics, indicator diagrams and velocity diagrams are the main research points in this article. Design/methodology/approach In order to validate the fluid flow modelling, a series of mathematical modelling are established and solved by using Matlab/Simulink. An experiment rig based on electro-hydraulic loading servo system is designed to test the prototype. Finally, indicator diagram and velocity diagram are obtained and compared both in simulation and experiments. Findings Results indicate that at the same damping position, damping force will increase with the rise of rod’s velocity; if the rod’s velocity is fixed, the damping force changes apparently by altering the damping position. The shock absorber is softest at damping position 1, and it is hardest at damping position 4; although there is no any badly empty ...