This paper introduces and discusses a new concept of impact absorption by means of impact energy management and storage in dedicated rotating inertial discs. The effectiveness of the concept is demonstrated in a selected case-study involving spinning management, a recently developed novel impact-absorber. A specific control technique performed on this device is demonstrated to be the main source of significant improvement in the overall efficiency of impact damping process. The influence of various parameters on the performance of the shock-absorber is investigated. Design and manufacturing challenges and directions of further research are formulated.

At present, owing predominantly to advances in measurement technology, microprocessor control and development of smart materials have witnessed a widespread adoption of semi-active damping systems based on magnetorheological fluid technology into everyday life. An important class of systems which utilize magnetorheological technology is constituted by vehicle vibration systems. These systems are generally equipped with different numbers of reciprocating or rotary dampers filled with magnetorheological fluid. Dampers and their properties are controlled by an electronic controller with embedded control algorithm. In this article, a simplified model of an off-road vehicle equipped with a real-time controlled semi-active suspension system with magnetorheological dampers is presented. In addition, a simple algorithm employed to control them is described. Algorithm efficacy has been verified by means of conducting numerous road and off-road experiments employing Honker 2000 vehicle. The main goal of this article is to present simplified yet efficient methods for controlling changes in properties of suspension of an off-road vehicle with magnetorheological dampers. These properties are controlled by an optimization algorithm responsible for an optimal selection of friction in magnetorheological dampers. The algorithm allows for a substantial improvement of the performance of an off-road vehicle suspension.

At present, owing predominantly to advances in measurement technology and microprocessor control, development of a new generation of smart materials may lead to widespread adoption of semi-active damping systems into everyday life. An important class of such materials includes so-called “intelligent” magneto-rheological. A dominant feature of these materials is that their physical properties can be altered relatively easily under the influence of an external magnetic field. In this paper, a simplified model of a vehicle equipped with in-time controlled semi-active magneto-rheological suspension system is presented. Moreover, simple algorithms employed to control it are described and their efficacy studied by computer simulation and direct experiment. Torsional as well as reciprocating vibration magneto-rheological dampers (MRD) were used as in-time semi-active controls. In addition, a magneto-rheological rotary brake (MRB) was employed as a torsional vibration damper. As a result of direct experiments and simulations we were able to obtain characteristics of both devices showing dissipative features and relationship between model parameters. The main goal of this paper is to present methods for assessing the impact of changes in properties of MRD and MRB dampers for a reduction in variations in vertical wheel forces. These properties are controlled by demonstrated optimization algorithm responsible for an optimal selection of friction in magneto-rheological dampers. Also, an optimization criterion has been proposed. A control algorithm presented in this paper has been verified by means of conducting an extensive experimental investigation employing a Ford Transit van. Based on the results of our numerical and experimental studies it has been proved that through properties changes in MRD and MRB dampers it had been possible to reduce the variations in vertical wheel forces. Thus, an increase in the safety of the vehicle is possible.

In this work an original construction of a vibration damper controlled by means of a valve with a short time of operation lag is presented. The valve-controlling properties of the damper regulates the flow of fluid between the chambers of the damper and was constructed using piezoelectric actuators, whose characteristic feature is the possibility to change dimensions, e.g., length, under the influence of voltage. As a result, by changing voltage it is possible to control the throttle of the flow by changing the width of a gap, which influences a change of damping forces. Such a solution enables a quicker change of damping forces than in other kinds of controlled damper. Due to the obtained properties, the damper may be applied to reduce the vibrations of vehicles and machines that undergo quick-change loads. In the article, the results of experimental studies of the aforementioned damper are presented. Based on the results, dissipative characteristics were determined. Also, results of numerical studies comprising the development of a numerical model of a controlled piezoelectric damper are shown. Results of numerical studies, as well as experimental studies, are presented in the form of dissipative characteristics. Comparison of results of numerical and experimental studies confirms the possibility to apply this kind of construction in semi-active systems of vibration reduction of vehicles and machines.

In this paper, an original construction of a vehicle vibration damper controlled by means of a valve based on piezoelectric actuator is presented and investigated. The presented valve allows us to control dissipation characteristics of the damper faster than in other solutions adjusting the size of the gap through which the oil flows between the chambers of the damper. The article also presents the results of the experimental investigation of the above-mentioned damper showing the possibility of changing the value of the damping force five times in about 10 ms by changing the voltage supplying the piezoelectric actuator. Based on these results, dissipative characteristics were determined which enabled the identification of the parameters of the damper numerical model. The article also presents the results of numerical investigations a vehicle model equipped with the developed dampers. The results showed that the developed damper controlled by the use of the piezoelectric actuator can significantly affect vehicle traffic safety by reducing the variation of vertical forces acting on the wheels. The results obtained are so promising that the authors undertook preparations to conduct road tests of a vehicle equipped with the developed dampers.