Elasto-kinematic characteristics of car suspensions with magneto-rheological bushings

Abstract

The paper reports a feasibility study of car suspensions equipped with an innovative bushing composed by an elastomer having magneto-rheological characteristics in order to improve the performances in terms of handling and comfort. The analysis focuses on the effects produced by the variations in stiffness due to the magneto-rheological effect on the elastomeric material of the bushing. This magneto- rheological effect is designed to act on the performances of the vehicle particularly during the transients of the dynamic behavior. The performances can be achieved by acting on the characteristics of the suspension bushing on the car body. The desired suspension performances, in terms of camber or steering angle, can be obtained by controlling the characteristics of the magneto-rheological bushings. The diagrams of these characteristics, obtained through an Elasto-kinematic analysis, synthetically show the changes of performances due to the variations in the magnetic field produced by the current applied in the inside coil of the bushing. The feasibility analysis could be particularly considered for industrial application of high performance vehicles.