Development of Semi-Active Suspension Systems Using ER Fluids for the Wheeled Vehicle

This paper describes the performance estimation of semi-active suspension system using Electro-Rheological fluid-based damper, which is continuously variable according to the electric field strength. ER fluid characteristics are formulated by incorporating Bingham-plastic models and a dynamic model of ER damper is achieved. Then the ER damper is applied to the quarter car model. A sky-hook control algorithm is applied to improve the ride quality through computer simulation. Vibration tests are carried out to compare their performance with conventional passive suspension systems.