Modeling Method for Vibration System with Asymmetric Restoring Force Characteristics (Dampers of Vehicle Suspension)

Damper units, as well as several bushings, of vehicle suspension systems show asymmetry restoring force properties in response to their direction of stroke. A property prediction method for these components is helpful in vehicle dynamics development process. In order to develop the modeling method for these properties, we modified 'the analytical method of equivalent linear system using the restoring force model of power function type', which is one of the effective methods in nonlinear system analyses, and applied to these asymmetry restoring force properties. From the comparisons between the results from calculations and those from experiments, the validity of this method was confirmed.