Development and experimental verification of a parametric model of an automotive damper

Abstract

This thesis describes the implementation of a parametric model of an automotive damper. The goal of this research was to create a damper model to predict accurately damping forces to be used as a design tool for the Formula SAE racecar team. This study pertains to monotube gas charged dampers appropriate to Formula SAE racecar applications. The model accounts for each individual flow path in the damper, and employs a flow resistance model for each flow path. The deflection of the shim stack was calculated from a force balance and linked to the flow resistance. These equations yield a system of nonlinear equations that was solved using Newton's iterative method. The goal of this model was to create accurately force vs. velocity and force vs. displacement plots for examination. A shock dynamometer was used to correlate the model to real damper data for verification of accuracy. With a working model, components including the bleed orifice, piston orifice, and compression and rebound shims which were varied to gain an understanding of effects on the damping force.