Vibration control for an experimental off-road vehicle using magnetorheological dampers

The paper presents research studies in the field of semiactive vibration control of an experimental off-road vehicle which is equipped with suspension magnetorheological (MR) dampers. Accelerometers and vehicle progressive velocity sensors are installed in body and underbody parts of the vehicle and are used in control scheme. Furthermore, IMU modules and suspension deflection sensors were used for validation of measurement part of the system. Semiactive Skyhook control algorithm, including on/off and smooth suspension MR damper control, was implemented in order to validate the control system. Quality of measurements is deteriorated by multiple factors including vehicle engine and shape of tires which was examined. Experimental results indicated better vibration suppression of vehicle body part for smooth Skyhook controller compared with passive soft and hard suspension. The presented semiactive suspension control system can be applied for complex vehicle dynamics analysis and control schemes dedicated to both the ride comfort and ride safety issues.