Investigation of Cavitation Process in Monotube Shock Absorber

The paper investigates cavitation effect which negatively influences the performance of a monotube shock absorber of road vehicle (passenger car). For better understanding of this phenomena, three physical models of shim stack valves are analyzed. Validation results allowed selecting the most appropriate valve model in presence of cavitation processes. A mathematical model of monotube damper with consideration of fluid compressibility and cavitation phenomena is developed. Simulation results are validated by experimental data obtained on hydraulic test rig. Based on the selected approach, a simplified method suitable for assessment of cavitation processes in automotive monotube shock absorbers is proposed. After investigation it is found that damping force when cavitation occurs mainly depends on the initial pressure and absorber inner diameter.