Multi-condition adaptive detail characterization model of magnetorheological dampers and experimental verification

Abstract

Abstract The theoretical model for predicting the damping characteristics of magnetorheological dampers (MRDs) is significant for enhancing the design efficiency of the control algorithm. However, some existing theoretical models face limitations in characterizing MRD damping characteristics simultaneously in terms of nonlinear detail characterization and adaptability to variable working conditions. Therefore, this paper proposed the Composite Double-Boltzmann (CDB) model combining the Double-Boltzmann (DB) function widely used in the field of biology and chemistry for its strong nonlinear characterization capability. Utilizing this model to fit the sinusoidal vibration testing data of the MRD prototype under variable combination working conditions, obtaining quantitative relationships between the undetermined parameters in the CDB model and the excitation current, vibration frequency, and amplitude to enable the model to address both the nonlinear details characterization of MRDs and adaptability to variable working conditions. Subsequently, the validity of the quantitative relationships were verified by comparing the calculated parameter values using the quantitative relationships with the original accurate parameter values. In order to verify the validity of the CDB model, extensive unknown working condition vibration tests were conducted on the MRD prototype under variable excitation currents, vibration frequencies, amplitudes and random excitation working conditions, employing the CDB and Tanh models to predict the damping characteristics, to compare to demonstrate the CDB model’s capability of adapting to variable working conditions while accurately characterizing the nonlinear details of MRD damping characteristics.