DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A SHIM STACK VISCOUS DAMPER

Abstract

Shock absorber is a device which is used to reduce the effect of shock impulses by damping them and dissipate kinetic energy. It is used to improve the quality of ride, as well as comfort level, by substantially reducing the magnitude of disturbances. This is specially required in locomotion of vehicles over rough or unsmooth surfaces. Spring is compressed as the vehicle encounters a bump on the road. The reaction force would cause spring to retain its normal length. Due to high momentum, spring would shoot past its normal position and this rebound would lift the body of the vehicle. The weight of vehicle is larger in comparison to this spring force. It would cause the spring to be compressed again. This process is repeated several times, with reducing magnitude. Conventional orifice dampers don’t provide effective shock absorption. Shim-stack dampers have greater shock absorbing efficiency and they have already attained preferences in motor-bikes. Our project focuses on the design and development of a shim stack viscous damper. It also encompasses a comparison of its performance with a regular orifice damper.