Theoretical modeling of the vertical stiffness of a rolling lobe air spring

In order to study the characteristics of a rolling lobe air spring, a vertical stiffness analytical model is constructed based on thermodynamics and hydrodynamics. The merit of this vertical stiffness analytical model is that an analytical solution of geometric parameters is obtained by an approximate analytic method. Meanwhile, experimental tests are carried out to verify the accuracy of the vertical stiffness analytical model. The vertical stiffness analytical model can be used to qualitatively analyze the influence of geometric parameters on the vertical stiffness characteristics of a rolling lobe air spring. Therefore, the relationship between geometric parameters and the vertical stiffness characteristics is analyzed based on the proposed model. The conclusions show that the vertical stiffness analytical model can well predict the mechanical characteristics of a rolling lobe air spring and provide guidance for parameter design and vehicle ride comfort improvement.