A New Configuration of MR Damper with Pole Shape Function: Design and Analysis

Abstract:
In this study, we propose a novel type of MR damper which can realize the optimal damping characteristic through open loop control only. Unlike the conventional MR dampers, the proposed MR damper has a specific pole shape function (MRD-PSF in short), and therefore the damping coefficient is changed by varying the effective area of the main orifice. Furthermore, by controlling the opening or closing the bypass orifice, the drastic change of the damping coefficient and the slope breaking point (SBP) are realizable. After briefly describing the operating principle, a mathematical modeling is performed considering the pole shape function which is a key feature of the MRD-PSF. Subsequently, the damping characteristics depending on the applied magnetic field are analyzed. The desired performance of a suspension system is imposed and corresponding damping coefficient to achieve the desired performance is determined through the open-loop control method. This salient effectiveness of the proposed MR damper mechanism is validated through computer simulations of the sprung mass acceleration and tire deflection of a quarter-car suspension system.