Modeling and Dynamic Characteristics Analysis of a Continuously Variable Damper with Electro-Hydraulic Pressure Control Valve

In this paper, mathematical modeling and dynamic characteristics analysis of a continuously variable damper used for semi-active suspension systems are investigated. After analyzing the geometry of a typical continuously variable damper, models for various components including piston, orifices, spring, and valves are proposed and the flow equations during expansion and compression strokes are derived. To verify the mathematical models developed, the dynamic characteristics of the models are simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK and are compared with experimental results. It was confirmed that the developed models represent well the actual damper and can be used for control system design.