Electronically controlled ''smart'' materials in active suspension systems

Suspension engineers have recognized the outstanding performance of a vehicle equipped with an Active suspension system ''Active'' denotes the controllability of a system state, on demand. Conventional suspension systems have inherent drawbacks which are barriers to advanced vehicle performance, while controllable suspensions enhance performance and can be adjustable to varying stimuli. Technological advances in the material sciences have bred an advanced group of ''Smart'' materials which can change the engineering philosophy on suspension hardware. The materials, in both solid and liquid forms, are uniquely controllable by an applied external energy source. Naturally occurring materials and ''systems'' give an insight on application methods with Smart materials. These materials introduced into old mechanical system concepts and coupled with modern electronic controls, will affect hardware of tomorrow and break traditional barriers in suspension system developments. Advanced suspension approaches seek to add controllability and functionality while changing hardware operating parameters. The use of smart materials has proven to be a means of increasing system performance. The amount and level of sophistication required in passive hardware, for similar levels of vehicle performance with Smart materials, would prohibit its use within the automotive environment. Therefore, in comparison to conventional hardware, these new Smart material hardware concepts might not net any hardware reductions but offer alternative vehicle design features. The engineering hurdle is how to introduce ''controllability'' into a traditional mechanical system, in a cost effective manner. To reach the ''next level'' from the traditional mechanical hardware to ''soft controllable electromechanical hardware.