Abstract
An analogue computer simulation of vibrations occurring with automobile rear axles under braking and accelerating conditions, commonly called “axle tramp’ is described. These vibrations are shown to be self-excited, and the existence of limit cycles is demonstrated. The mode shapes corresponding to these limit cycles are described, and the mechanisms through which the self-excitation is possible are deduced. The ways in which the stability of the system and the limit cycles are affected by changes in the system design are indicated, and the longitudinal axle mounting stiffness is identified as a critical parameter, having a major influence on the stability.
It is concluded that axle tramp can be eliminated by suitable attention to the design of the axle to body mounting.
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