Static and Harmonic Response Analysis of an Automotive Shock Absorber

Shock absorber is a hydraulic pump like mechanical device that is installed in vehicle to control unwanted movement of a spring mounted vehicle. In this study, two different materials are used as potential shock absorber materials, and their performance is calculated using FEA analysis. The materials used in this study and structural steel and aluminum alloy 6061. The stresses, deformations, fatigue life and vibrational analysis of both the shock absorbers are compared. It is studied that the steel shows excellent stress resistance even at heavy loads and the fatigue life of steel is higher than that of aluminum. However, both the materials show approximately equal vibrations when the loading is applied. The study suggests that both these materials can be used in the shock absorber, however because of high strength and high fatigue life characteristics, steel is preferred over aluminum.