Problem 5 Select a suspension NOT described in class and exp

Problem 5 Select a suspension, NOT described in class, and explain its operation. Include illustrations, benefits and disadvantages of using it.

Solution

Magne ride is an advanced control system developed by BWI group. It uses dampers whose response can eloctro mechanically be varied.

Operation:

It has no elctro mechanical valves but has 4 magneto rheological (MR) fluid based monotube dampers , sensors and E- control unit. MR fluid is a suspension of soft magnetic particles in a synthetic hydrocarbon base fluid. When the coil in the damper piston , along which MR fluid flows, is not energised, the MR fluid is not magnetised. The soft magnetic particles within the fluid exhibit a random pattern and the fluid behaves like conventional damper fluid. When the coil is energised, the magnetic field causes the particles to align into fibrous structures in the direction of
the magnetic flux. The strength of the bond between the particles in the structures is proportional to
the strength of the magnetic field. The result of this is a variable resistance to fluid flow within the damper
piston, which provides a variable damping capability.Change in current causes a lot of damping forces. A software is used to regulate these damping forces.

Advantages:

Excellent vehicle control and handling

Full car model is used to reduce minimum damping forces, this improves smoothness.

Highly reliable and maintenance free

When combined with anti locking braking system, vehicles performance is greatly improved

Disadvantages:

High cost

Complicated design

Adds mass to the system