Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers are a mechanical device that absorbs or dampens shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy. Shock absorbers are a significant part of automobile and motorcycle suspensions.

Shock Absorbers are widely used in the vehicles suspension system. The shock absorbers diminish the outcome of traveling over uneven road. Due to shock absorbers one can have an improved ride quality. A vehicle without shock absorbers would result in a horrifying riding experience. The shock absorbers do not only prevent bouncing ride, but also controls the range of suspension movement.

Without shock absorbers, an excessive suspension movement would require stiffer springs which would make the ride rougher. Shock absorbers are of great use especially in those roads which are full of bumps and uneven ground. It allows the use of soft springs which helps to control the rate of suspension movement in response to bumps. Not only this, they decrease the movement of the unsprung weight up and down on the springiness of the tire.

Spring-based shock absorbers comprise coil springs or leaf springs. Springs can only store the energy, but it is shock absorbers that actually help to dissipate or absorb energy. Some vehicles use both springs or torsion bars and hydraulic shock absorbers.

Hysteresis is used in simple vehicles that have no separate shock absorbers. There are some tapered chain shock absorbers that are in solid state and use axial alignment(s) of granular spheres made of nitinol. Fluid friction constitutes the major part of automotive shock absorbers. Specialized shock absorbers are used for racing purposes. Some shock absorbers also help in tuning of the ride via control of the valve by a manual adjustment. Shock absorbers used in more expensive vehicles are remotely adjustable.

Composite hydropneumatic devices are used in some models of the Citroën automobile. Conventional shock absorbers are seen in some large trucks and luxury sedans such as certain Lincoln and most Land Rover automobiles.