Electromagnetic control of elastomer ferromagnet composite components for automotive vibration damping

The use of semi-active magnetorheological elastomer bushings in automobiles is one of many strategies to reduce vibration inside vehicles caused by structure-borne noise. However, several practical engineering challenges must be addressed before magnetorheological bushings can be seamlessly incorporated into vehicles. This thesis comprises two projects that address some of the engineering challenges associated with practical implementation of magnetorheological bushings in cars. The first project investigates the dynamic vibration damping range of an elastomer ferromagnet composite damper, a type of magnetorheological material, under realizable electromagnetic control. The dynamic vibration damping range of the elastomer ferromagnet damper is acquired from the resonant frequency change of a vibrated proof mass comprising the elastomer ferromagnet component and a pair of off-the-shelf industrial electromagnets. The second project in this thesis models power amplifiers that are needed to power electromagnets coupled to magnetorheological bushings in an automobile.