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A European Union project was launched in late 2000 involving three industrial
partners: Marzocchi SpA, ENEA-DIFF and Fluent Italia s.r.l. Called “Shock”,
the project is aimed at using CFD to model motorcycle shock absorbers,
especially those used in motocross racing bikes.
Simulation of the shock absorber damper mechanism: path line and shim
deformation
A motorcycle suspension system consists of a spring coupled to a viscous
damping element. The viscous damping element is a piston in a cylinder
filled with oil. As the piston moves through the oil, it smooths out vibrations
induced by the bike in motion. An adjustable elastic deformable flap called
a shim regulates the flow of oil through the piston.Unfortunately, very
little is known about how this shim governs the actual oil flow inside
the damping design range. Indeed, the size and thickness of the shims
are currently evaluated only by road tests and the experience of the designer.
To understand better the workings of the shims and the components of the
entire damping cartridge, project engineers have been using the fluid-structure
interaction feature in FIDAP. Even though the project is still ongoing,
engineers hope that the FSI predictions from FIDAP will help reduce shock
absorber design times from eight to six months, and experimental prototyping
costs by 70%. In addition, they hope to generate a product that offers
improved stability and more comfort to the rider.
For more project details go to: http://spring.bologna.enea.it/shock
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