Excitation Parameters Effect on Damper Performance Through Experimental Analysis

Nowadays, the automotive industry is facing an increasing demand for comfort, handling, and stability; thus, the suspension system plays a crucial role in ensuring these modern requirements. The growing need for improved dampers requires a deeper understanding of how shock absorbers behave under certain conditions. Consequently, experimental analysis of damping systems represents an essential step in the development process of an advanced and modern suspension system. This paper aims to present an experimental investigation of shock absorber behaviour using a dedicated testing stand designed to evaluate the damping phenomenon and how it may be affected under variable operating conditions. The current study focuses on the analysis of the force–stroke relationship by modifying key excitation parameters such as frequency and amplitude. The tests will be performed for different stroke amplitudes and frequencies ranging from 0.3 Hz to 1 Hz. The experimental setup can be used on either standard or adaptive shock absorbers. It allows for controlled variation of input signals, thus enabling the observation of the dynamic response and how it varies over time. The resulting diagrams provide insights into the energy dissipation process and into the hysteresis phenomenon that occurs while testing. Also, a mathematical model developed in AMESim will be used to compare the results obtained with both experimental and numerical methods. The study contributes to a better understanding of shock absorber behaviour, helping to build a foundation for future developments involving control strategies for adaptive suspension systems.