Magnetic Suspensions

As soon as we hear the word “suspension”, the primary thing that comes to the picture is some typical kind of springs or dampers (or for most of us “jumpers”) and that is what defines the meaning of suspension for us atleast up to certain level of age. But suspension is a very broad term than we used to think once. Springs or Dampers are just a part of the suspension assembly comprising of many other components like the links, A-arms, fasteners, ball joints, heim joints etc. Suspension systems are believed to be in existence since the 17th century when the ox-drawn carts were the main form of transportation. In the history of around 4 centuries, suspension systems have been developed to a very advanced level and in this article, we’re going to discuss one such system i.e., Magnetic Suspension System.

Magnetic damper

Magnetic Suspension System or Magnetic ride control is believed to be the fastest reacting suspension in the world adapting according the road surfaces upto several hundred times per second. The Magnetic Suspension system works on the technology of Magnetorheological damper system. The key component of this system is the magnetically controlled dampers mounted individually on each wheel. These dampers are filled with the magnetorheological fluid which is a mixture of synthetic hydrocarbon oil and the easily magnetized particles. The dampers also consist of the pistons containing electromagnetic coil which are connected with the ECU of the vehicle. As soon as the ECU receives signals from the sensors of the vehicle, it changes the current flowing through the coils accordingly.

Magnetorheological Fluid



In the off-condition, the current passing through the coils is lower and hence the particles are less magnetized and thus decreasing the stiffness of the dampers. When in the on-condition, the ECU increases the current flow and the coils generate the magnetic field which magnetises the particles of the fluid and they form a fibrous structure and thus increasing the viscosity of the fluid and ultimately increasing the stiffness of the dampers.
The main advantage of the Magnetic Suspensions is that they can adjust the dampers dynamically according to the current needs of the vehicles. Therefore, it can reduce noises, vibrations, bouncing and body roll effectively on almost all the road surfaces and the speeds, the vehicle can travel. The vehicles mounted with the magnetic suspensions provide more comfortable and smoother rides in all the driving conditions although they are very costly compared to the normal suspension systems. If you want to ride on this luxury, you should be ready to pay 2.5 to 4 times more than the standard suspensions.
Currently, the use of Magnetic suspensions is limited to the high-end cars like the Cadillac CTS-V, Audi TT, Audi R8 and certain other automobiles from the General Motors and Ferrari. Well, I think it’s better to keep these luxuries limited to these high-end cars only until any further advancements and the reduction in its costs are not achieved.

What do you think guys? Should the other automobiles come up with the Magnetic Suspensions or should it be kept limited to the luxury cars only

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