Abstract:
Uneven oscillatory forces applied to an object cause vibration, which can lead to noise, discomfort, and mechanical wear. The optimization of shock absorber thickness and weight is critical for enhancing vehicle performance on poorly maintained roads. In automobiles, vibrations due to irregular road surfaces have been mitigated using shock absorbers to enhance performance, comfort, and control. The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of automotive weights and shock absorber thickness on automobile vibrations. The objectives of this study were; to formulate a mathematical model describing the effect of automobile weight on unsteady vibrations; to generate numerical solutions of the mathematical model equations for the shock absorber modified to reduce vibrations at the mounting points; and to analyze from the numerical solution the effects of increase in velocity and weight on the automobile unsteady spring vibration. A mathematical model was developed, utilizing the central difference scheme for discretization and solved using the Jacobian iterative method, with stability conditions implemented. Through computational simulations, various thickness and weight configurations were tested under diverse road conditions. The results indicate a significant improvement in shock absorber performance, with optimized configurations that increasing shock absorber thickness reduced vibration amplitude by approximately 35%, while increased vehicle weight amplified vibrations by 20%, necessitating thicker shock absorbers for stability. Higher speeds above 80 km/h intensified unsteady vibrations on poorly maintained roads. The study concludes that modifying shock absorber thickness and optimizing weight distribution can effectively minimize automobile vibrations.