Optimization of a Shock Absorber Design Using Model-Based Approach

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate a possibility to optimize a shock absorber design to minimize level of vibrations with the use of model-based approach. The paper introduces a proposal of an optimization method that allows to choose the optimal values of the design parameters using a shock absorber model to minimize the level of vibrations. A model-based approach is considered to obtain the optimal pressure-flow characteristic by simulations conducted with the use of coupled models, including the damper and the servo-hydraulic tester model. The presence of the tester model is required due to high non-linear coupling of the tested object (damper) and the tester itself to be used for noise evaluation. This kind of evaluation is used in the automotive industry to investigate dampers, as an alternative to vehicle-level tests. The paper provides numerical experimental case studies to show application scope of the proposed method