Title: Geometrical optimisation of vehicle shock dampers with magnetorheological fluid

Authors: Zekeriya Parlak, Tahsin Engin, Vedat Ari, Ismail Sahin, Ismail Calli

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sakarya University, 54187 Esentepe Campus, Sakarya, Turkey. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sakarya University, 54187 Esentepe Campus, Sakarya, Turkey. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sakarya University, 54187 Esentepe Campus, Sakarya, Turkey. ' Vocational School of Akyazi, Sakarya University, Alagac Cad. Akyazi, Sakarya, Turkey. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sakarya University, 54187 Esentepe Campus, Sakarya, Turkey

Abstract: Magnetorheological (MR) dampers have attracted interest from suspension designers and researchers because of their variable damping feature, mechanical simplicity, robustness, low power consumption and fast response. Therefore, optimisation of such devices is of particular interest to achieve optimal vibration control. This study deals with the geometrical optimisation of an MR shock damper using Taguchi experimental design approach. The optimal solutions of the MR damper were evaluated using analytical equations, which give the dynamic range of the damper under consideration. Optimal geometrical values obtained provided most performance in consideration of other nine alternatives of Taguchi experimental design specified for the study.

Keywords: magnetorheological shock dampers; MR dampers; MR devices; MR fluids; optimisation; Taguchi methods; vehicle design; suspension design; optimal vibration control; experimental design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2010.036842

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2010 Vol.54 No.4, pp.371 - 392

Published online: 12 Nov 2010 *

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