A semi-active suspension using ER fluids for a commercial vehicle seat

This paper presents control performances of a semi-active suspension using ER (electro-rheological) fluids for a commercial vehicle seat. A cylindrica l ER seat damper is designed and manufactured by incorporating Bingham mode l of an arabic gum-based ER fluid. After evaluating field-dependent damping characteristics of the ER seat damper, a sliding mode controller is formul ated to control the seat Vibration due to external excitations. The control ler is then experimentally realized and controlled responses are presented in both time and frequency domains. In addition, a full-car model consistin g of primary, cabin and seat suspensions is established and the hardware-in -the-loop simulation (HILS) is undertaken to demonstrate a practical feasib ility of the proposed seat suspension system showing ride comfort quality u nder various road conditions.