Performance evaluation of a mixed mode ER engine mount via hardware-in-the-loop simulation

This paper proposes a new type of an ER (electro-rheological) engine mount which has a mixed mode as fluid working mode (the combination of shear and flow modes). As a first step, a mixed mode ER engine mount, which is applic able to a medium-sized passenger vehicle, is designed and manufactured by i ncorporating Bingham model of the ER fluid. The vibration isolation perform ance of the ER engine mount with different intensity of electric fields is evaluated in the frequency domain and compared with that of conventional hy draulic type engine mount. Subsequently, a full car system installed with t he proposed ER engine mounts is constructed and modeled by considering engi ne excitation forces. After deriving its governing equations of motion, H-i nfinity control algorithm is formulated by taking into account the semi-act ive actuating condition. The vertical engine displacement and body accelera tion are evaluated via hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) at various en gine excitation frequencies.