Abstract
Shock absorbers are the damping elements in vehicle suspensions. The performances of the elements affect the ride-comfort and handling characteristics of the vehicle directly. And according to the variety of road conditions for a long distance driven and the affect of different components of shock absorber, the performance and life span of shock absorber will change rapidly. In order to analyze and improve the factors that affect performance of shock absorber, we must develop more precise nonlinear mathematical model of the shock absorber. This paper involves the development of a nonlinear mathematical model for a kind of double-tube absorber. The model wherein the influence of membrane spring is considered can calculate the damping force as a function of the shock absorber displacement and ve locity for a given set of parameters, therefor the performance prediction of shock absorber can be predicted accurately based on it. The results of computer simulation and the experiment are basically identical. The MATLAB software is used for the simulation. The results of simulation show that the pressure inside the cylinder is variety with the inputs of velocity or displacement.