This paper provides an analytical evaluation of semiactive dampers, which have been more increasingly used for vehicle applications in the recent years, when transient dynamics are present. Although much research has been performed on various aspects of semiactive dampers, the vast majority of past studies have been performed for the steady state aspects of such dampers. This study will extend the results of those studies, by providing an evaluation of semiactive dampers when they are subjected to a transient dynamics, such as a step input. The performance of a semiactive damper with two commonly used control methods―namely, skyhook control and hybrid control―is evaluated analytically, using a single suspension model. In addition to evaluating such metrics as the peak response and settling time of the sprung body, this analysis will include an evaluation of the work performed by semiactive dampers. A comparison with passive suspensions shows that the semiactive suspensions that are considered here could improve various aspects of vehicle ride comfort and handling, within the limitation of a single suspension model. Field-testing of the semiactive dampers discussed here would, of course, provide more conclusive evidence on their benefits for controlling vehicle transient dynamics.
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