New-mode adaptive shock absorbers of vehicles

Development of any vehicle requires strict compliance with certain pre-set performance characteristics. So-called vehicle performance characteristics are especially important. These characteristics do not involve estimation of traction and dynamic parameters of vehicles, their fuel efficiency, etc. Our research aims to develop new-mode adaptive suspensions of vehicles. Currently, a team of leading researchers supervised by professor A.F. Dubrovskiy of the Automobile and Tractor Faculty at South Ural State University has completed a large scope of fundamental research work on development of new-mode adaptive suspensions (suspension systems) of vehicles that can be adjusted to road conditions on the move either automatically or manually. We have developed, studied, designed, manufactured, and tested the following main assemblies of adaptive suspensions of vehicles: adaptive lockable shock absorbers and elastic elements with non-linear characteristics. Their combined functional properties and performance characteristics significantly outperform the existing foreign analogues, let alone domestic designs. To demonstrate these advantages, we made a full-scale stand of the chassis of a VW PASSAT CC “right front quarter” and conducted comparative simulation tests of the “vehicle riding on uneven road surface” with the operational suspension and with a suspension equipped with the developed elastic elements and adaptive shock absorbers. This paper analyzes the prospects of using adaptive shock absorbers with an ultra-wide range of performance adjustment in vehicle suspensions.