Editing Shock absorber (section)

== Description ==

[[Pneumatic]] and [[hydraulic]] shock absorbers are used in conjunction with cushions and springs. An automobile shock absorber contains spring-loaded check valves and orifices to control the flow of oil through an internal piston (see below).<ref>, Horst Bauer (ed)., ''Automotive Handbook 4th Edition'', [[Robert Bosch GmbH]], 1996, {{ISBN|0-8376-0333-1}}, page 584</ref>

One design consideration, when designing or choosing a shock absorber, is where that energy will go. In most shock absorbers, energy is converted to heat inside the viscous fluid. In [[hydraulic cylinder]]s, the [[hydraulic fluid]] heats up, while in [[Pneumatic cylinder|air cylinders]], the hot air is usually exhausted to the atmosphere. In other types of shock absorbers, such as [[Electromagnetism|electromagnetic]] types, the dissipated energy can be stored and used later. In general terms, shock absorbers help cushion vehicles on uneven roads and keep wheels in contact with the ground.

=== Vehicle suspension ===
{{main|Suspension (vehicle)}}
In a vehicle, shock absorbers reduce the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved [[ride quality]] and [[automobile handling|vehicle handling]]. While shock absorbers serve the purpose of limiting excessive suspension movement, their intended main purpose is to damp spring oscillations. Shock absorbers use valving of oil and gasses to absorb excess energy from the springs. Spring rates are chosen by the manufacturer based on the weight of the vehicle, loaded and unloaded. Some people use shocks to modify spring rates but this is not the correct use. Along with [[hysteresis]] in the tire itself, they damp the energy stored in the motion of the [[unsprung weight]] up and down. Effective wheel bounce damping may require tuning shocks to an optimal resistance.

[[Spring (device)|Spring]]-based shock absorbers commonly use [[coil spring]]s or [[leaf spring]]s, though [[torsion spring|torsion bar]]s are used in [[torsion bar suspension|torsional]] shocks as well. Ideal springs alone, however, are not shock absorbers, as springs only store and do not dissipate or absorb energy. Vehicles typically employ both hydraulic shock absorbers and springs or [[Torsion spring|torsion]] bars. In this combination, "shock absorber" refers specifically to the hydraulic piston that absorbs and dissipates vibration. Now, composite suspension systems are used mainly in 2 wheelers and also leaf springs are made up of composite material in 4 wheelers.

=== Construction ===
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Shock absorbers are an important part of car suspension designed to increase comfort, stability and overall safety. The shock absorber, produced with precision and engineering skills, has many important features. The most common type is a hydraulic shock absorber, which usually includes a piston, a cylinder, and an oil-filled chamber. The piston is connected to the piston rod, which extends into the cylinder and divides the cylinder into two parts. One chamber is filled with hydraulic oil, while the other chamber contains {{according to whom|compressed oil|date=May 2024}} or air. When there is an accident{{Relevance inline|date=May 2024}} or vibration in the vehicle, the piston moves into the cylinder, forcing the hydraulic fluid through small holes, creating resistance and dissipating energy in the form of heat. This dampens oscillations, reducing further bouncing or wobble of the car. Shock construction requires a balance of features such as piston design, fluid viscosity, and overall size of the unit to ensure performance. As technology developed, other types of shock absorbers emerged, including gas and electric shock absorbers, that provided improved control and flexibility. The design and manufacture of shock absorbers is constantly evolving due to the continuous improvement of vehicle dynamics and passenger comfort.