Magnetorheological Elastomer mounts in non-linear vehicle model

Abstract

The use of smart materials in engineering applications is a growing field of research. Various smart materials have been studied and used. One of such materials with evolving applications is the Magnetorheological Elastomer (MRE). As more applications areas of smart materials is being researched, simulation results which can be used to understand and predict the behaviors of smart materials are necessary. In this study, a developed mathematical model for MREs is used as an engine mount and experimentally simulated in the non-linear half-car vehicle model. The MRE mount model dynamic stiffness and damping modulus is then tuned to attenuate engine displacement vibrations in the low bandwidth frequency range (0–15Hz). Comparing the passive mount with MRE mount, the results show that, while there is considerable vibration reduction, the MREs mounts in practicality needs to be adaptive to excitation frequency (engine speed) to produce desired reduction in engine displacement.