Abstract:
This research focuses on developing semi-active suspension systems utilizing magnetorheological (MR) dampers, which significantly enhance the comfort and driving characteristics of various transportation vehicles.

Main objectives:

• To develop an electronically controlled suspension system for railway vehicles to improve comfort and reduce wear on both vehicles and infrastructure.

• To develop semi-actively controlled suspension systems with MR dampers for electric bikes and motorcycles, aiming to enhance both comfort and performance.

• To evaluate the applicability of MR dampers for shock absorption.

Research content:
In the field of transportation vehicle development, enhancing comfort, safety, and driving performance is essential. This research is committed to advancing these qualities through the implementation of electronically controlled suspension systems that harness cutting-edge smart materials. A primary focus of the study is on the development of semi-actively controlled magnetorheological (MR) dampers, along with the necessary control algorithms.

The research team has pioneered a globally unique method for designing MR dampers, enabling the design of dampers with exceptional transient response characteristics. This innovation led to the development and testing of, at the time, the world’s fastest damper, with a response time of just 1.2 milliseconds – more than 20 times quicker than traditional designs. The rapid response time is crucial for the effectiveness of semi-active control, and this breakthrough has paved the way for numerous industrial applications of MR technology.

The know-how opened the door for many industrial applications of this technology. In collaboration with STOS s.r.o., VUKV a.s., and other partners, the team developed a semi-actively controlled suspension system with MR dampers for the Škoda 10Ev RegioPanter railway unit. Eight dampers were implemented in two bogies and tested on real tracks around Brno. On the corridor route from Brno to Šakvice, the system showed an average improvement of 27% in comfort, as measured by the Normalized Comfort Indicator (NMV), compared to vehicles equipped with passive dampers, based on eight test runs.

The team has also extended MR technology to electric bikes and motorcycles, where it demonstrated substantial benefits in both comfort and driving performance. This research initiative led to the founding of the start-up company GRIXI s.r.o.

Additionally, the research explores the application of MR dampers for shock absorption, particularly for recoil mitigation in military contexts. A unique test stand was developed specifically for conducting impact event tests, further advancing the practical potential of MR technology in this specialized field.

Publications:
JENIŠ, F.; KUBÍK, M.; MICHÁLEK, T.; STRECKER, Z.; ŽÁČEK, J.; MAZŮREK, I. Effect of the Magnetorheological Damper Dynamic Behaviour on the Rail Vehicle Comfort: Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation. Actuators, 2023, vol. 12, no. 2, p. 1-14. ISSN: 2076-0825. https://doi.org/10.3390/act12020047

STRECKER, Z.; JENIŠ, F.; KUBÍK, M.; MACHÁČEK, O.; CHOI, S. Novel Approaches to the Design of an Ultra-Fast Magnetorheological Valve for Semi-Active Control. Materials, 2021, vol. 14, no. 10, p. 1-20. ISSN: 1996-1944. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14102500

KUBÍK, M.; STRECKER, Z.; ROUPEC, J.; MAZŮREK, I.; MACHÁČEK, O.; PALOUŠEK, D.; KOUTNÝ, D.; VUT v Brně: SKELETON FOR MAGNETIC CORE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME. EP3373311, patent. (2022)

Partners and Collaboration:
Strojírna Oslavany STOS s.r.o., Padochovská 31, 664 12 Oslavany, Czech Republic.

VÚKV a.s., Bucharova 1314/8, 158 00 Praha 5, Czech Republic.

Signo Motus S.R.L., S.da Panoramica dello Stretto, 340, 98168 Messina ME, Italy.

Projects:
Developement of Magnetorheological Damping System for Railway Vehicles, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic – TRIO, FV30310, 2018-2021.

Semiactive damping system for single deck electric multiple unit, Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) – 4th public competition of the Transport 2020+ program, CK04000210, 2023-2026.

National Competence Centre of Mechatronics and Smart Technologies for Mechanical Engineering, Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) – National Centres of Competence 1, TN01000071, 2019-2022.

COMMON-LINK – COMPUTATIONAL MODELLING FOR LONG-TERM INTER-SECTORAL ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE ON NON NEWTONIAN FLUIDS (NNF), Signo Motus S.R.L., EDA AD HOC CATEGORY B PROJECT N° B.PRJ.RT.980, 2022-2025.

Contact person:
doc. Ing. Michal Kubík, Ph.D.