Design and performance analysis of energy recovery and self-sensing MR dampers based on piezoelectric effect

In this paper, an energy recovery type self-sensing magnetorheological dampers (MRD) was proposed, using a damper nested in a piezoelectric ceramic (PZT) stack structure to achieve energy recovery and self-sensing. Firstly, the structure of the damper is designed rationally. Secondly, the MRD-based damping force model is established by combining the characteristics of the damper motion and the flow field distribution principle. Then the piezoelectric material modal is analysed to determine its structural dimensions. Next, a mathematical model of electromechanical coupling between the parallel piezoelectric stack and MRD is established, and the simulation model is established to provide a basis for the study of energy recovery and self-sensing performance. Finally, an experimental platform is built: when the external current is 1.2 A, the output damping force is 680 N, and the damper can achieve vibration energy recovery and output power of 0.43 W under the sinusoidal signal with excitation frequency of 5 Hz, and self-sensing of external vibration excitation through the piezoelectric stack output electrical signal.