Gas damper: potential vehicle performance studied on a full-car model

The Gas Damper (GD) uses gas as internal fluid, obtaining an important dependency on operating frequency and stroke amplitude. The potential performance of GD was analysed previously using a quarter-car model, and offered a new approach to the traditional ride/handling trade-off, especially in off-road vehicles. This paper studies the GD influence on a vehicle's performance using a more complete model (full-car) to confirm its suitability for that kind of vehicle and also to completely understand the GD behaviour. This is evaluated by assessing ride isolation, road-holding, body control and rollover stability, and is compared to the performance of a hydraulic suspension.