An analytical model of pneumatic suspensions based on an experimental characterization

We present an analytical model of air spring suspensions that is based on an experimental characterization. The suspension consists of three principal parts: the air spring, an auxiliary tank, and a pipe connecting the two. An analytical nonlinear fluid dynamics model is first analyzed, modeling the suspension stiffness, damping factor, and transmissibility. The model is then linearized and this linear version is studied in depth, finding that the behavior of the suspension as reflected in the aforementioned three characteristics is strongly dependent on the size of the three suspension parts. The analysis allows us to propose a practical strategy for the operation of the suspension.