Semi-active control for the seat car suspension system using MR elastomer isolator

Abstract

The suspension system for the car seat is an important part of the vehicle that helps to increase comfort and reduce fatigue. The study of suspension systems using magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) has attracted researchers in recent years. MRE is an elastomer material such as rubber. The modulus of the material can change when a magnetic field is applied. In this study, an MRE-based isolator is first developed for a seat car suspension system. The characteristics of the isolator are investigated under the strength of the magnetic field. Based on Lyapunov theory and constraint force, the semi-active controller is then designed. Numerical simulations for the car seat dynamics system show that the developed isolator can reduce vibrations more when compared with the passive approach in the case of bump and random excitations. The results show significant potential for its application in vehicle seat vibration control.