eyefi Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 i've just been having a read about the new ferrari, this info about the dampers sounds great. SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) Suspension Unlike traditional oleodynamic systems, magnetorheological (MR) fluid suspension systems react instantly to road conditions and driver inputs, thanks to the fact that the dampers use a fluid the viscosity of which is modified by applying an electronically controlled magnetic field. What this means in practice is greatly improved body control which in turn directly improves handling and road-holding thanks to optimal tyre grip in all road conditions. The result is a much safer and more enjoyable driving experience courtesy of reduced roll and greater control when accelerating, braking and cornering. This is the very first time the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) suspension has been used on a high performance sports car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Blimey that's a bit cool...I'll have the 599 then in my other thread! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbourner Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 This is the very first time the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) suspension has been used on a high performance sports car. What was it used on before! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian R Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 What was it used on before! Hummer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyefi Posted March 8, 2006 Author Share Posted March 8, 2006 Hummer really? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian R Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 really? Although the Hummer (in military parlance, “HMMWV”) is a well-regarded and generally capable off-road vehicle, its performance and mobility is affected by the compromises that had to be made in the stock suspension system. By combining our off-road racing experience with a revolutionary suspension technology, MillenWorks was contracted by the U.S. Army Tank and Armaments Command (TACOM) to develop a robust, computer controlled suspension upgrade for the HMMWV. The long name is MagnetoRheological fluid Optimized Active Damper Suspension. We call it MROADS. The system is designed around MagnetoRheological fluid, which is a water or oil-based fluid whose viscosity, or shear rate, can be changed by applying to it a magnetic field. When properly engineered, this allows the control of suspension performance in real time with a damper that is inherently less complicated than high performance passive dampers with bypass tubes, valve stacks, or inertial sensing devices. The MROADS system consists of one MR Fluid computer controlled damper at each of the vehicle’s wheel positions. The active damper suspension is based on the idea of modulating the forces in a damper as a function of sensed variables, such as the vehicle speed, body movements, and position of a particular wheel. Our active damper suspension system is lighter, smaller, less expensive, and uses much less power than a fully active system while providing similar levels of performance. The MROADS computer-controller damper system automatically optimizes the Hummer’s suspension performance based on vehicle loading and operating conditions, which yield many benefits: Significant (up to 70% on certain terrain) reduction in driver absorbed power Higher mobility speeds over a given terrain Improved tire traction Improved tire life Reduced fatigue loading of vehicle structure and payload Reduced driver, vehicle and payload damage from terrain impacts at speed Improved vehicle stability and handling Improved accuracy during surveillance, targeting, or weapons firing Suspension system prognostics / diagnostics.The system was designed to facilitate bolt-on retrofitting. Only minor modifications to the Hummer were required for mounting sensing and control hardware, and the original chassis and lower A-arm suspension mounting holes are used to accommodate the MR damper and spring assembly. The system was tested and tuned in the California desert . With driving feedback from Rod Millen himself, MillenWorks engineers fine-tuned the control system while monitoring the performance improvements and system reliability. In January of 2003, the MROADS equipped Hummer underwent a battery of tests at the Army’s Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona, where it went head to head against a Stock Military HMMWV. The grueling tests underlined the performance advantages of the MROADS system , and demonstrated the high reliability of the system, which suffered no failures whatsoever. Frequently Asked Questions: 1. What’s the difference between an active damper suspension and a fully active suspension? A fully active system, like the old Lotus hydraulic based system, requires lots of power and expensive valves or electromechanical actuators. These systems also can become unstable which can damage the vehicle and hurt the passengers. An active damper system, requires little power, only that needed to adjust the dampers in real-time. MR fluid based active dampers don’t need precision valves or other expensive components. Both systems, active damper or fully active, can adjust the suspension forces in real-time and can have similar performance benefits. 2. This system sounds great! Can I buy it for my personal Hummer or modified pickup truck? Not currently. MROADS will most likely appear on military or government vehicles before it will be available to consumers. 3. Will the MROADS system work on other vehicles? The MROADS technology and experienced gained from this project are adaptable to a wide range of vehicles. MillenWorks is working with the government to apply the system to a much larger military vehicle. 4. Isn’t GM already making this type of suspension system? Through Delphi automotive, GM is marketing a road-going version of an MR suspension on vehicles such as the Corvette. While there are some similarities in how they both work, the MillenWorks system is designed to handle the much more extreme suspension forces and velocities experienced in off-road travel. 5. Does MillenWorks make the MR fluid? No. The MR fluid is made by Lord Corporation. 6. What is “absorbed power”? Absorbed Power is a measure of how vibration affects people. Since people are sensitive to different types of vibration in different ways, as compared to other animals or equipment, absorbed power quantifies how each type of vibration hurts or fatigues people. 7. I have an application that I think would be great for an MR suspension? Can you guys build it? Please contact us with some details and we’ll let you know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyefi Posted March 8, 2006 Author Share Posted March 8, 2006 delphi deisgned the system http://www.delphi.com/news/pressReleases/pr72389-03012006 As announced during the Ferrari press conference at Geneva Motor Show, on Tuesday, February 28, 2006, the new Ferrari 599 includes Delphi's revolutionary MagneRide Controlled Suspension System, which captures the "gran turismo" feeling of Ferrari's legendary vehicles. Using patented shock absorbers filled with a proprietary controllable fluid, the system offers increased damping tuning capability and speed of response over valve-based controlled suspension systems. This means better transient handling both for turn-in and yaw stability --and superior road isolation that will result in increased driver comfort. Drivers will also experience a more precise steering feel and control of the vehicle even at top speeds. apparently it's a lightweight system and can go from super hard to soft in a few millisecs, makes REAS look a bit clumsy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyefi Posted March 8, 2006 Author Share Posted March 8, 2006 good find ian. good old rod millen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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