Abstract
Dynamic performances of the frontal suspension of an automobile equipped with colloidal dampers are experimentally investigated. A compact design of the colloidal damper, that provides also adequate durability, is achieved by introducing the colloid inside of a tank that is separated by a filter from the main cylinder in which only water is supplied. Three types of absorbers are considered: used oil damper (after 100,000km travel distance), unused oil damper (0km travel distance) and unused colloidal damper. First, all these absorbers were dynamically tested on a classical fatigue machine and the damping coefficient was determined. Then, they were mounted on the real suspension and travel tests of the automobile on joy-steps and half-sinusoidal steps were performed. From vibrations measured at suspension extremities and driver seat, ride-comfort factor and the transmissibility factor of vibrations from the rough pavement to the car's drive-shaft were evaluated.
