Abstract
We propose a method of optimization for a new type of shock absorber. This shock absorber includes MR fluid that is material that responds to an applied magnetic field with a change in its apparent viscosity. We suppose that the MR shock absorber is applied to landing gears of aircrafts for cope with the problem that the vertical acceleration of aircrafts during landing varies due to variation of their masses. The maximum vertical acceleration of an aircraft is set as an objective function to be minimized. In this optimization method, we propose design variables that consist of orifice areas, a MR resisting force and a piston tube position at which the MR resisting force is changed to zero value. As a result of the optimizations, the optimum orifice areas, MR resisting force and piston tube position of the shock absorber are obtained. Furthermore, it is clarified that the MR shock absorber can cope with the mass variation of the aircraft as much better as optimum passive shock absorbers via simulation.
