Abstract
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This paper presents a study on continuously variable stiffness control of vehicle seat suspension
using a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) isolator. A concept design for an MRE isolator is
proposed in the paper and its behavior is experimentally evaluated. An integrated seat
suspension model, which includes a quarter-car suspension and a seat suspension with a driver
body model, is used to design a sub-optimal H∞ controller for an active isolator. The desired
control force generated by this active isolator is then emulated by the MRE isolator through its
continuously variable stiffness property when the actuating condition is met. The vibration
control effect of the MRE isolator is evaluated in terms of driver body acceleration responses
under both bump and random road conditions. The results show that the proposed control
strategy achieves better vibration reduction performance than conventional on–off control.