Heat transfer effects on hydropneumatic suspension systems

One of the problems experienced on hydropneumatic suspension systems, is the effect of temperature change on the spring characteristic, resulting in variations in spring rate and ride height. This problem can be analysed using an appropriate heat transfer model. Two major heat transfer modes are investigated, i.e. heat transfer between the gas and its surroundings and heat transfer between the damper oil and the gas. The analyses performed include the determination of the dynamic spring force characteristic, the effect of heat build-up on the spring force characteristic and the effect of heat build-up on the performance of the hydropneumatic spring and damper unit during vehicle tests. Mathematical modelling of the spring characteristic is performed by solving the energy equation for a gas in a closed container using the thermal time constant approach. The Benedict–Webb–Rubin equation of state is used for real gas behaviour. The mathematical model is verified against experimental data and good correlation is achieved. It is shown that hydropneumatic suspension systems have a significant amount of inherent damping due to heat transfer which produces no nett temperature change or heat build-up. The effect of heat build-up in the damper on the spring force characteristic is determined by laboratory tests. It is shown that heat generation in the damper, accompanied by a rise in gas temperature, has a detrimental effect on the spring force characteristic. Tests performed on experimental hydropneumatic spring and damper systems fitted to a test vehicle indicate that the effect is smaller in practice than anticipated. Heat build-up is strongly influenced by terrain roughness, vehicle speed, mission profile and damping levels.