Modelling and testing of an in-house prototype twin-tube semi-active damper

Semi-active suspensions improve suspension performance of the vehicles upon conventional passive systems by simultaneously improving ride comfort and road handling. The main element in a semi-active suspension is a controllable shock absorber. This paper describes the design and modelling of an in-house semi-active twin-tube shock absorber with an internal variable solenoid actuated valve. The operation of the valve is described and a parametric model is developed. A full-scale prototype is developed and the shock absorber is tested. The test results are compared with the developed mathematical model. The forces applied to the semi-active valve during the damper operation are also measured to validate the valve design and modelling.

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