Performance simulation analysis for magnetorheological damper with internal meandering flow valve

Abstract

Magnetorheological (MR) damper as a semi-active system for a vehicle suspension is simulated in this study. The proposed design of Magnetorheological (MR) valve consists of meandering flow channel or gaps that fixed in the piston of the damper. The focus of this study is to estimate the performance of proposed MR valve based on actual front suspension parameter of a vehicle. Annular and radial gaps are combined to produce an MR valve with meandering fluid flow path. Furthermore, the damper is filled with Magnetorheological (MR) fluid to energize the damper under the presence of magnetic fields. The magnetic flux density within each gap is obtained via the Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) software. Therefore, the yield stress of MR fluid and magnetic flux relationships both can be predicted. The present paper shows a reduction in pressure drop when the thickness of each gap is increased. Pressure drop is closely affected by the fluid flow rate that enters each gap. This means that the lower flow rate increases the pressure drop of MR valve at various current.