Damp-by-wire : Magnetorheological vs. friction dampers

Abstract A comparison is made of a magnetorheological damper (MRD) and a friction damper (FD) in semi-active suspension design; both devices are closed-loop controlled. Experimentally validated models of both dampers have been developed and a hybrid variable structure-fuzzy control algorithm designed. It is shown that the two devices, albeit based on very different physical principles, can be described by a general common mathematical model, with the FD model being regarded as a particular case of the model for a MRD. The control strategy is targeted to improve occupant comfort. Performance has been investigated numerical simulation in a quarter car vehicle model and compared to that obtained with a classical passive damper.