The automobile industry is currently at its peak, moving towards new directions with the
development of electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, and related fields. This shift
necessitates the development and transformation of various conventional automotive
components, including suspension systems. Traditional suspensions such as hydraulic,
pneumatic, and spring types are still widely used. However, these systems have
limitations: coil spring suspensions become harder over time and lose their cushioning
effect, while hydraulic and pneumatic systems require regular maintenance. Magnetic
suspension systems offer a solution to these limitations, providing a long-lasting
cushioning effect. In a magnetic suspension system, one magnet is fixed at the top of the
inner portion of the cylinder, and a second magnet is placed at the bottom, reciprocating
up and down due to magnetic repulsion. The repulsion between these two magnets
creates the suspension effect. This work discusses the design and analysis of a scale model suspension test facility for a front-wheel bicycle magnetic suspension. The
techniques for the design, construction, and testing of a prototype magnetic suspension
system are described. To test the viability of this new suspension system, a scale
suspension using neodymium magnets and a guide cylinder for the front shock absorber
of a bicycle is constructed. The suspension is tested for load-carrying capacity, both
stationary and in motion, and for vibration absorption. A set of approximate design tools
and scaling laws are applied to evaluate forces and critical velocities in the suspension
system. The results demonstrate the potential of magnetic suspension systems to
provide a durable and effective alternative to traditional suspension methods, paving the
way for future innovations in the automotive industry.
Keywords :- Magnetic Shock Absorber, Magnet, Spring, Magnetic suspension,
Neodymium magnets, Cushioning effect, Load-carrying capacity, Vibration absorption,
Front-wheel bicycle Suspension.