Design and performance evaluation of a novel series flow channel magnetorheological damper

Abstract In order to solve the problem that the output damping force of the traditional magnetorheological damper is limited due to the low space utilisation of the piston head. A novel series flow channel magnetorheological damper (NSFC-MRD) was proposed. The structural design of NSFC-MRD was completed. The magnetic circuit model and damping force model of NSFC-MRD were established. In order to verify the performance advantages, the effects of key parameters on the damping characteristics of NSFC-MRD and conventional MRD are comparatively analysed by the finite element method under the constraints of the same piston outer diameter and cavity volume. The influence law of NSFC-MRD damping performance is revealed. A prototype of NSFC-MRD was manufactured and the damping performance of NSFC-MRD was tested. The results show that NSFC-MRD reduces the damping channel length in the unactivated zone by 28% in the same region. The viscous damping force is improved to approximately three times that of conventional structures. The piston radial space utilisation rate of NSFC-MRD is improved by about 46% compared to traditional structures. When I = 2 A, A = 8 mm and f = 1 Hz, the maximum damping force of NSFC-MRD is up to 6893 N and the adjustable coefficient is up to 6.26.