Force Generation in Semi-Active Suspensions Using Modulated Dissipative Elements

Large control forces in vehicle suspension systems or other vibration control systems may often be generated effectively by modulating the dissipation characteristics of an element using only modest control power. Most of the systems proposed in the past have involved hydraulic dampers, but a variety of other resistive elements can also be used. What is required is an efficient transducer from mechanical power to another form of power and a means to modulate a generalized resistor in the energy domain in question. Using bond graphs, it is shown that designs in the hydraulic domain can be transferred to other domains with possible benefits in certain cases.