New Generation Natural Rubber-Based Bump Stopper with Improved NVH Characteristics Tata Motors, Limited

Format:

Book

Conference/Event

Author/Creator:

Murugesan, Annarajan, author.

Contributor:

Hingalaje, Abhijeet

Pawar, Rohit

Perumal, Mathavan

Conference Name:

Symposium on International Automotive Technology (2026) (2026-01-28 : Pune, India)

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource cm

Place of Publication:

Warrendale, PA SAE International 2026

Summary:

In automotive suspension systems, components like bump stoppers and jounce bumpers play critical roles in controlling suspension travel and enhancing ride comfort. Material selection for these components is driven by functional demands and performance criteria. Traditionally, Natural rubber (NR) has traditionally been favored for bump stopper applications due to its excellent vibration absorption, tear resistance, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability. However, in more demanding environments, it has been largely replaced by microcellular polyurethane (PU) elastomers, which offer superior durability, environmental resistance, and enhanced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance. This study revisits NR with the goal of re-establishing its viability by enhancing its performance to match or surpass that of PU. Through compound optimization and advanced material processing techniques, significant improvements have been achieved in NR's mechanical strength, compression set resistance, and environmental durability. Also a convolute bump stopper design was explored to enhance energy absorption and packaging efficiency. Compared to traditional solid profiles, the convoluted geometry provided progressive stiffness characteristics, improved deformation control, and optimized ride comfort under dynamic loading conditions. Traditional NR design and formulation were compared against PU and next-generation NR in terms of Aging Durability Factor, stiffness, fatigue durability, vehicle-level buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR), as well as ride and handling performance. A comparative assessment of carbon emissions between PU and NR was also conducted to evaluate environmental impact. The result is a next-generation NR formulation that delivers performance comparable to PU while retaining the ecological and economic advantages of natural rubber. This research demonstrates a sustainable pathway toward high-performance elastomeric materials, bridging the gap between conventional and advanced solutions in modern engineering applications

Notes:

Vendor supplied data

Publisher Number:

2026-26-0292

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license