Magnetorheological Fluid Dampers: A Close Look at Efficient Parametric Models

Abstract

The reasonable efficiency, high reliability, and minimal maintenance requirements of the semiactive control algorithms make this form of structural control the most successful method from a practical point of view. In addition, significant progress has been made in structural control devices. Magnetorheological (MR) dampers have been the subject of extensive research. In order to develop and implement a successful structural control algorithm, a deep understanding of their operation is required. Therefore, many efforts have been made to classify MR dampers as efficient tools; however, their complicated behavior has also been noted. Various relations have been proposed to describe the highly nonlinear behavior of MR dampers. To develop an efficient control algorithm, one must first properly understand the seismic behavior of the structure and the control device as well as its handling. The handling of the device will be efficient if there is a description for its control, a so‐called inverse model. This model is an answer to the question of whether the proposed device model can be written in a form that practically brings the generated damping force as close as possible to the desired force. In the identification process, the selection of a basic mathematical model is critical. In this review article, we have compiled successful parametric models that accurately replicate the behavior of MR dampers. Since the primary functionality of the device is crucial for the development of a competent control algorithm, we have endeavored to investigate and present the reversibility of the proposed models. We also delved at the characteristics of the parameters that enable precise communication between the central control unit and the device. These parameters, which enable the dialog between the processing unit and the control devices, will play an important role in the development of the inverse model in its simplicity and efficiency.