Comparing the dynamic properties of conventional and electro-rheological fluid shock absorbers

Procedures for characterising the dynamic properties of standard hydraulic oil-filled (SHO) and electro-rheological fluid (ERF)-filled shock absorbers are presented. The conventional shock absorber has fixed settings of stiffness and damping ratings, whereas for the ERF shock absorber, these parameters can be varied via an applied electric field. It is shown that the SHO shock absorber is relatively soft in compression but relatively hard in extension. Conversely, it is shown that the present design of ERF shock absorber is relatively hard in compression but relatively soft in extension.