Experimental Investigation of an Automotive Magnetorheological Shock Absorber

The study summarises the experimental examination of an automotive magnetorheological (MR) shock absorber under electrical and mechanical excitations, investigates its current and force responses and the energy dissipation in the system. The aim of experiments was to acquire measurement data that allows in next step of the research program to engineer an energy harvesting device for the absorber. The work covers basic technical data of the absorber, description of the experimental set-up, scenario of testing program and test results of the device. Of particular importance is the influence the operating current, piston displacement amplitude and piston velocity have on the absorber’s response.