Investigation of effects of different manufacturing parameters on rubber used in suspension systems

In this study, the effect of different manufacturing parameters on the rubber used in suspension systems were investigated. The component that affects the stiffness values of the control arm, which is a part of the suspension system, is rubber. During the vulcanization of the rubber on the joint, the type of rubber paste used and the vulcanization temperature value are very important parameters. Tensile and fatigue tests were performed on the samples with temperature and variable paste types in order to examine the effect of mechanical properties on stiffness values. The rubber bushings produced according to the same manufacturing parameters as the mechanical test specimens were subjected to the radial stiffness test. Axial, cardanic and torsional stiffness tests were performed the on rubber bushings with the most appropriate parameters determined according to the radial stiffness test results. With the results obtained, the most suitable parameters for the rubber bushings used in the control arm, which is a part of the suspension system of commercial vehicles, were determined and verified. Keywords: Suspension system, control arm, rubber, stiffness, vulcanization