Semi-Active Damped Seating Technology for the EFV

The proposed Semi-Active Magnetorheological Vehicle Seat (SAMVS) system will utilize the benefits of magnetorheological (MR) dampers to create an adaptive seat system for the EFV. Leveraging past & current experiences with MR damper design & characterization, semi-active control, and seat shock & vibration mitigation, a semi-active, real-time control algorithm will be designed to automatically adapt to varying occupant weight & input levels, while optimizing stroke. This system will be designed to protect the occupant during extreme input levels such as a "rogue" wave or UNDEX shock, repetitive shock due to traversing over rough seas at high speed, as well as lower amplitude vibrations during normal operation. MR dampers have the unique capability of offering high force and dynamic range coupled with low power requirements and passive failsafe protection should vehicle systems fail. Phase I efforts will include modeling and simulation to determine system effectiveness and MR damper design parameters, MR damper design optimization, and development of MR seat suspension design options.