Definition
A shock absorber is basically a hydraulic damping mechanism
for controlling spring vibrations. It controls spring movements in both
directions: when the spring is compressed and when it is extended, the amount
of resistance needed in each direction is determined by the type of vehicle,
the type of suspension, the location of the shock absorber in the suspension
system and the position in which it is mounted. Shock absorbers are a critical
product that determines an automobile's character not only by improving ride
quality but also by functioning to control the attitude and stability of the
automobile body.
Principle Of Operation
The damping mechanism of a shock absorber is viscous
damping. Viscosity is the property of a fluid by virtue of which it offers
resistance to the motion of one layer over the adjacent on. The main components
of a viscous damper are cylinder, piston and viscous fluid. There is a
clearance between the cylinder walls and the piston. More the clearance more
will be the velocity of the piston in the viscous fluid and it will offer less
value of viscous damping coefficient. The basic system is shown below. The
damping force is opposite to the direction of velocity.
I-CLEARNCE, II-PISTON, III-VISCOUS FLUID
The damping resistance depends on the pressure difference on
the both sides of the piston in the viscous medium. The figure shown below
shows the example of free vibrations with viscous damping. The
equation of motion for the system can be written as mx + cx +kx = 0
Advantages Of Nitro Shocks
Instantaneous response :
- Because
the high pressure eliminates aeration (foaming), action is always is
immediate.
- The
low mass of gas and the single tube further improves response time.
Better fade resistance :
- Since
there is no outer tube, cooling is much better which gives a drastic
reduction in fade. Thus more consistent handling and control.
Better durability :
- Single-tube
construction also allows for a larger internal working area, reducing
stress and fatigue for better durability.
- De
Carbon's monodisc valving system features a single moving part that
drastically reduces inertia and friction, to improve durability and
performance.
- Better
cooling of the mono tube design results in lower operating temperatures
and thus longer life.
No need for re-adjustment:
- The
viscosity of hydraulic fluid changes as temperature changes. This may
because of climate, season (summer/winter) or heavy duty (motorway
cruising). The high pressure gas compensates immediately and automatically
for changes in viscosity.
TIPS BEFORE MOUNTING
A stiff suspension does not necessarily mean good handling.
Often the contrary. If still a stiff suspension is needed it should come from
the springs. The function of the shock absorber is to dampen oscillations of
the spring by converting energy to heat. Do not use shock absorbers to obtain a
stiff suspension. Shock absorbers and springs each have their own function.
Respect those functions.
Do not use new shocks to compensate for old and tired
springs. The shocks will soon fail when the springs are bad. Worn shocks do not
only reduce safety and handling, they also increase the risk of having a broken
spring as the spring is allowed to oscillate
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