Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 6324: Vehicle Vibration Characteristics of an Additional-Flow-Path-Type Magnetorheological Damper Using a Frequency-Tuned Proportional-Integral Controller

Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 6324: Vehicle Vibration Characteristics of an Additional-Flow-Path-Type Magnetorheological Damper Using a Frequency-Tuned Proportional-Integral Controller

Energies doi: 10.3390/en18236324

Authors:
Seongjae Won
Sukju Kim
Chanyoung Jin
Jinwook Lee

Magnetorheological (MR) dampers provide tunable, fast-response damping for semi-active suspension systems. However, their nonlinear flow behavior can limit stability and energy efficiency under broadband road excitation. This study proposes an additional-flow-path-type MR damper integrated with a frequency-domain proportional-integral (PI) controller that captures the dominant spectral characteristics of ISO-standard road profiles. A quarter-car simulation model developed in AMESim was used to assess the dynamic performance of the integrated system. The controller gains were tuned using representative excitation frequencies obtained through spectral analysis, allowing the damping force to be shaped in accordance with the primary vibration bandwidth. This approach combines structural modifications that enhance internal flow linearity with a control strategy aligned with the statistical nature of real road disturbances. Simulation results show that the proposed method reduces vertical acceleration of the sprung mass while simultaneously lowering the average damping-force demand compared with a passive suspension. These findings indicate that the combined structural control framework improves both ride comfort and mechanical energy dissipation efficiency.