Modeling, simulation and control of electrorheological fluid dampers

This video introduces the mathematical challenges in modeling, simulation and control of new continuously controllable shock absorbers based on electrorheological fluids (ERF) within automobiles. The basic mode of operation of an ERF is demonstrated by an experiment. Simulations demonstrate the interaction between controllable shock absorbers with a wide range of characteristics, the road and the multibody system of the motor vehicle. Mathematical questions considered during this project concern modeling, parameter estimation, optimal control and dynamic simulation. Parametric models predicting the dynamic behavior of the damper characteristics must be developed but also validated and calibrated by ERF flow simulations and experimental results. New optimal control strategies based on quarter car or half car models enable almost optimal use of the ERF shock absorbers with respect to dring safety and comfort. A well known driving maneuver, performed in three different configurations, demonstrates the innovative potential of optimally controlled ERF shock absorbers. The simulation is based on a full vehicle dynamics model augmented with the new ERF shock absorbers and the new optimal controllers, and it includes complex submodels not only for the vehicle"s multibody system, drive train, axle kinematics and tires but also for the driver and the road