Investigation of an off-road vehicle equipped with magnetorheological dampers

Abstract

At present, owing predominantly to advances in measurement technology, microprocessor control and development of smart materials have witnessed a widespread adoption of semi-active damping systems based on magnetorheological fluid technology into everyday life. An important class of systems which utilize magnetorheological technology is constituted by vehicle vibration systems. These systems are generally equipped with different numbers of reciprocating or rotary dampers filled with magnetorheological fluid. Dampers and their properties are controlled by an electronic controller with embedded control algorithm. In this article, a simplified model of an off-road vehicle equipped with a real-time controlled semi-active suspension system with magnetorheological dampers is presented. In addition, a simple algorithm employed to control them is described. Algorithm efficacy has been verified by means of conducting numerous road and off-road experiments employing Honker 2000 vehicle. The main goal of this article is to present simplified yet efficient methods for controlling changes in properties of suspension of an off-road vehicle with magnetorheological dampers. These properties are controlled by an optimization algorithm responsible for an optimal selection of friction in magnetorheological dampers. The algorithm allows for a substantial improvement of the performance of an off-road vehicle suspension.