SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3555, 2 May 1922, Page 46

SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.

All springs have a natural period of vibration when set in motion. A longt flexible spring will have a comparatively slow period of vibration, and a short, si iff spring a more rapid period, the periodicity depending on the elasticity of the springs ; but the fact that this tendency to vibrate, is common to all types of springs is the principal reason why a spring damper or shock absorber is in some cases a necessity. A better name than shock absorber would be governor or controller; that is, a device which will eliminate, as far as possible, spring vibration, and so control the movement that the

wheels of the vehicle can follow the uneven surfaces without transmitting the shocks to the chassis, and prevent oscillation after passing over an obstruction which causes unnecessary movement of the chassis and body. The ideal suspension is one which will automatically give to the uneven road surface. It should be a “flexible medium,” regaining its normal position after,striking an obstruction, without the “bound and rebound” characteristic of the usual spring suspension systems. A very stiff spring does not cause excessive oscillation, but, on the ether band, being hard, it does not give easily and sufficiently to the obstructions; neither does it protect the chassis from read shocks.,