Shock Absorber

A mechanical device designed to smooth out or dampen a sudden shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy. The shock absorber turns kinetic energy into thermal energy within the working fluids of system.

The shock absorber consists of a piston attached to the end of a rod that works within a cylinder against hydraulic fluid. As the suspension travels up and down thus moving the piston up and down in the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid is forced through tiny holes in the piston. These orifices let only a small amount of fluid through the piston and so slows the piston down. This in turn slows down the spring and suspension movement.

The resistance a shock absorber develops depends on:

• the piston velocity
• the number and size of orifices
• the viscosity of the working fluid

Uses

• vehicle suspension
• aircraft landing gear
• door lift struts
• building foundation earthquake dampers

See also: Coil Spring, Independent Suspension, Springs, Suspension.