MR Damper Modeling Performance Comparison including Hysteresis and Damper Optimization

Abstract

This research paper represents the analysis and simulation of semi-active suspension using non-linear modeling of the Magneto-Rheological (MR) suspension with consideration of the hysteresis behavior for a quarter car model. The research is based on the assumption that each wheel experiences the same disturbance excitation. Hysteresis is analyzed using Bingham, Dahl's, and Bouc-Wen models. This research focuses on simulation of passive, Bingham, Dahl, and Bouc-Wen models and analysis for the five road profiles. The desired damping force determines the optimum working conditions based on optimized critical design parameters. An integrated approach towards the numeric design optimization by computational methods has been used to find the optimum working conditions. The critical parameters of MR damper are determined, and multi-objective optimization is performed considering the pole length, piston radius, gap thickness, piston internal radius, piston velocity and coil current. Sensitivity analysis also is performed to identify the sensitive parameter in the MR damper geometry towards the damping force. Analysis shows that gap thickness is the most sensitive geometric parameter of the MR damper. Furthermore, the comparative study of the models for the highest comfort with less overshoot and settling time are executed. The Bouc-Wen model is 36.91% more accurate than passive suspension in terms of damping force requirements, has a 26.16% less overshoot, and 88.31% less settling time. The simulation of the Bouc-Wen model yields the damping force requirement to be 2150N which is 91% of the analytical results.