Prototyping an MR damper system

Magnetorheological (MR) shock absorbers are semi-active devices based on smart fluids. The fluid when exposed to magnetic field undergoes a transition from a liquid to a pseudo-solid. The change is reversible and fast and it has made the material attractive for use in semi-active real-time systems for vibration reduction. At the same time designing a shock absorber is a complex process due to the multi-physics involved. In this paper the author shows an approach that can be used for virtual prototyping studies of MR flow-mode devices. Magnetostatic calculations are followed by time-harmonics analyses of the circuit of the valve. The analysis is then complemented by a parametric study of the controller-damper system subjected to regulated (commanded) current step inputs using a lumped parameter model of the MR valve.