Semi-active variable stiffness vibration control of vehicle seat suspension using an MRelastomer isolator

Abstract

This paper presents a study on continuously variable stiffness control of vehicle seatsuspension using a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) isolator. A concept design for anMRE isolator is proposed in the paper and its behavior is experimentally evaluated. Anintegrated seat suspension model, which includes a quarter-car suspension and a seatsuspension with a driver body model, is used to design a sub-optimal controller for an active isolator. The desired control force generated by this active isolatoris then emulated by the MRE isolator through its continuously variable stiffness propertywhen the actuating condition is met. The vibration control effect of the MRE isolator isevaluated in terms of driver body acceleration responses under both bump andrandom road conditions. The results show that the proposed control strategyachieves better vibration reduction performance than conventional on–off control.