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Ride evaluations of prototype semi-active suspensions have demonstrated that acceleration alone is not sufficient in determining acceptable ride quality. The problem involves transient force behavior that is inherent to a semi-active suspension. This transient behavior can be present in both on-off and continuously variable semi-active suspensions. Force discontinuities created by semi-active suspensions can create jerk (the derivative of acceleration) and unwanted audible noise. This paper proposes simple solutions for eliminating unwanted jerk and noise. These solutions involve modifications to the basic control algorithms or system hardware.

Electrorheological (ER) fluids have received a great deal of attention in the past decade. The promise of valves with no moving parts and simple damping devices have led many scientists to investigate this intriguing technology. Typically, though, these materials have exhibited shortcomings due to low strength and a narrow temperature range of operation. Recent advances in electrorheological fluid technology, as well as in the development of magnetic analogs to electrorheological fluids have led to the availability of controllable fluids that exhibit high strength, low viscosity and stability over a broad temperature range. This paper discusses the properties exhibited by these “new” electrorheological and magnetorheological (MR) fluids, as well as the feasibility of using these fluids in a variety of controllable devices.

The mounting of agricultural cabs is becoming more and more sophisticated. Past and present technology for cab mounting is reviewed. The significant improvements that can be achieved with the presently available Fluidlastic® part are demonstrated. The emerging technology of fluid/air and adaptive mount technology is discussed.