An integrated approach for parameter identification and semi-active control of MR dampers

In the present paper, we propose an integrated method for adaptive identification and inverse control of a magnetorheological (MR) damper. As a case study, MR damper is attached to a simple one degree-of-freedom structure to attenuate its vibration. Among different existing models Bouc-Wen model is chosen to characterize the nonlinear hysteretic behavior of the MR damper. The unknown parameters of the model are identified using an adaptive algorithm. The stability proof of the algorithm for the Bouc-Wen model is also presented. The proposed identification method is integrated with an H_∞ controller. Mixed sensitivity control design is applied to achieve the required control force to the MR damper. As the force cannot be commanded directly, an inverse model of the MR damper is developed (based on Bouc-Wen model) to determine the actuating voltage to the device. Parameter identification results are presented illustrating effective performance of the algorithm. Also the simulation results of the integrated design method show the excellent vibration isolation of the closed-loop system in the presence of external exciting forces.