Dynamic Analysis of Hydraulic Bushings with Measured Nonlinear Compliance Parameters

Hydraulic bushings with amplitude sensitive and spectrally varying properties are commonly used in automotive suspension. However, scientific investigation of their dynamic properties has been mostly limited to linear system based theory, which cannot capture the significant amplitude dependence exhibited by the devices. This paper extends prior literature by introducing a nonlinear fluid compliance term for reduced-order bushing models. Quasi-linear models developed from step sine tests on an elastomeric test machine can predict amplitude dependence trends, but offer limited insight into the physics of the system. A bench experiment focusing on the compliance parameter isolated from other system properties yields additional understanding and a more precise characterization. Amplitude dependence predictions are improved in numerical simulations of the system while using the experimentally determined nonlinear compliance parameter, expanding the capabilities of reduced-order hydraulic bushing models.