Characteristics, application fields, and future development and challenges of shock absorbers

Abstract

Vibrations potentially damage equipment and mechanical structures. To mitigate this potential harm, it is necessary to implement specialized vibration-damping equipment, engineering controls to minimize the transmission of vibrations, and the wearing of appropriate personal protective gear. These measures help safeguard the safety of both equipment and personnel while ensuring their normal operation and longevity. Nowadays, shock absorbers play a crucial role in various fields, mitigating external forces such as earthquakes and wind to protect equipment, structures, and individuals from the adverse effects of vibrations. This paper reviews the historical development of shock absorbers, spanning from the earliest friction dampers to the contemporary remotely controllable variants. This paper provides an overview of fundamental principles and diverse types of shock absorbers, including hydraulic shock absorbers, pneumatic shock absorbers, and magnetorheological shock absorbers. The applications of shock absorbers have been analyzed, emphasizing their significance in daily life. In addition, this paper underscores the future prospects of shock absorbers in environmental protection, sustainability, and their evolving role in safeguarding society.