Development of CDC Shock Absorber Design Software

AbstractIn response to the low design efficiency caused by the numerous design parameters of existing shock absorbers, this research presents the design of an efficient software tool for obtaining the external characteristics of Continuous Damping Control (CDC) shock absorbers. Firstly, a mathematical model for the damping force of the shock absorber was established based on principles from fluid dynamics, elasticity mechanics, and throttle orifice models in the rebound and compression valve systems. Secondly, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) was developed to visualize the external characteristics and conduct simulation studies of the CDC shock absorber. Finally, experiments were performed on a shock absorber test bench to validate the external characteristics of the CDC shock absorber using initial structural parameters. The GUI software interface enables direct adjustment of the shock absorber's structural parameters and signal excitation, thereby enhancing the practical efficiency of the shock absorber. A comparison between simulation and experimental results reveals that the relative error rate is generally high when the velocity amplitude is 0.052m/s, with a maximum relative error rate of 24.44%. For other excitation velocity amplitudes, the relative error rate remains within 10%. This demonstrates the high accuracy and reliability of the established mathematical model for the CDC shock absorber, providing a solid theoretical foundation for studying the shock absorber's external characteristics.