VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

JNANA SANGAMA, BELAGAVI-590018, KARNATAKA

A Seminar Report On

“MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM”

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for awarding the degree of

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
In the academic year 2022-2023

Submitted by

VIVEK M
USN: 1RN19ME104
Under the Guidance of
Mrs. Laxmi B Wali
Assistant Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering

RNS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(AICTE Approved, VTU Affiliated & NAAC ‘A+’ Grade Accredited)
UG Programs - CSE, ECE, ISE, EIE and EEE have been accredited by NBA up to 30-6-
2025
Dr. Vishnuvardhan Road, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Channasandra, Bengaluru-560098

2022-2023
 RNS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(AICTE Approved, VTU Affiliated & NAAC ‘A+’ Grade Accredited)
UG Programs - CSE, ECE, ISE, EIE and EEE have been accredited by NBA up to 30-6-2025
Dr. Vishnuvardhan Road, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Channasandra, Bengaluru-560098

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the seminar on “MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM” has been
successfully completed by VIVEK M (1RN19ME104), a bona fide student of RNS Institute of
Technology in partial fulfilment for the award of Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
under Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi during the academic year 2022-2023 . It is
certified that all corrections/suggestions indicated for allotting marks have been incorporated in the
report deposited in the departmental library. The seminar report has been approved as it satisfies the
academic requirements in respect of seminar work for the said degree.

Signature of Guide Signature of HOD Signature of Principal

 DECLARATION

I, VIVEK M (1RN19ME104), student of VIII semester B.E, Mechanical Engineering,

RNS Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, hereby declare that the seminar titled
“MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM” has been carried out by me and submitted in partial
fulfilment of the requirement for the VIII semester degree of Bachelor of Engineering in
Mechanical Engineering of Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, during
academic year 2022-2023.

Date: VIVEK M

Place: Bengaluru USN: 1RN9ME104

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank the management of RNS Institute of Technology for providing such a
healthy environment for the successful completion of seminar work.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Principal Dr. M K Venkatesha for his
encouragement that motivated to successfully carry out the seminar work.

It gives me immense pleasure to thank Dr. Mukesh Patil, Professor and Head of Department,
Mechanical Engineering for his constant support and encouragement.

I wish to express our deepest sense of gratitude to Mrs. Laxmi B Wali, (Assistant Professor),
Department of Mechanical Engineering for her constant support and guidance throughout the
seminar .

Last, but not the least, we would like to acknowledge and thank our parents who have been a
source of inspiration and instrumental in the successful completion of my seminar

VIVEK M
USN: 1RN19ME104
 ABSTRACT
• MagneRide suspension system uses MR fluids to control the stiffness of the damper.

• MagneRide suspension system consists of Damper, motion sensor, and ECU(electronic

control system).

• It operates by varying the magnetic field of the electromagnet to alter the stiffness of the
damper of the suspension system

• Provides comfort and performance with a balance.

MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO

1. Introduction

2. Traditional suspension system

3. Hydraulic damper working

4. Disadvantages of traditional hydraulic damper

5. Dampening characteristics of hydraulic damper

6. MagneRide dampers

7. Working

8. Advantages

9. Disadvantages

10. Conclusion
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO TITLE PAGE

NO

3.1 Hydraulic damper 10

6.1 MagneRide suspension system 13

7.1 working of the damper 14

7.2 MagneRide suspension system (Motion sensor to ECU) 15

7.3 MagneRide suspension system (ECU to damper) 15

7.4 Working of MagneRide suspension system 16

8.1 Advantages of MagneRide suspension system 17

MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
 MagneRide is a suspension system Available exclusively from BWI Group.
 MagneRide is a unique controlled suspension technology that utilizes magneto-
rheological (MR) fluid-filled dampers and sophisticated control strategies to
increase comfort and expand the performance limits of the vehicle.
 MagneRide is available for all classes of passenger cars, light trucks, sports
cars, and SUVs

1
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

CHAPTER 2

Traditional suspension system

A shock absorber or damper is a mechanical or hydraulic device designed to absorb
and damp shock impulses. It does this by converting the kinetic energy of the shock
into another form of energy (typically heat) which is then dissipated.

In a traditional shock absorber, the customer usually gets two configurations i.e.,
either the shocks can be a firm shock absorber or a soft shock absorber. Firm shock
absorbers can be used with vehicles where performance is given importance. The soft
shock absorber is used with vehicles where comfort is given importance. Customers
have to compromise with the configurations they are getting and the options are not
flexible.

2
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

CHAPTER 3

Hydraulic damper working

Shock absorbers are basically oil pumps. a piston is attached to the end of the
piston rod and works against hydraulic fluid in the pressure tube.

As the suspension travels up and down, the hydraulic fluid is forced through tiny
holes, called orifices, inside the piston. However, these orifices let only a small
amount of fluid through the piston. This slows down the piston, which in turn
slows down spring and suspension movement.

Fig 3.1 Hydraulic damper

3
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

CHAPTER 4

Disadvantages of traditional hydraulic damper

 Hydraulic shocks are filled with hydraulic fluids.
 When the shocks encounter bumps, potholes, or any other irregularities their
hydraulic fluid suppresses the forces caused by the obstruction.
 The response cannot be modified.
 The stiffness of the damper is constant (it can be firm or soft) and cannot be
modified.
 Either the riding comfort is compromised by installing a firm damper or the
performance is compromised by installing a soft damper.

4
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

CHAPTER 5
DAMPENING CHARACTERISTICS OF HYDRAULIC
DAMPER
Dampening characteristics of the hydraulic shocks can be varied in two ways:

1. By varying the viscosity of the fluids.

2. By varying the orifice size.

Varying viscosity:

 If high viscous fluid is used the stiffness of the shock absorber is increased
 If the less viscous fluid is used the stiffness of the shock is decreased providing
the rider with comfort.

Varying the orifice size:

 If the orifice diameter is increased the stiffness of the shocks is decreased.

 If the orifice diameter is decreased the stiffness of the shocks is increased.

5
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

CHAPTER 6

MagneRide Dampers
 The MagneRide damper is filled with Magneto-Rheological fluid (MR fluid).
 Its effective viscosity can be altered by exposing it to magnetic energy.
 The suspension system can be optimized for virtually any road condition.

Fig 6.1 MagneRide suspension system

6
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

CHAPTER 7
Working
MagneRide fluid is composed of many micro iron particles. When exposed to a
magnetic field the fluid greatly increases its viscosity to the point of becoming a
viscoelastic solid. The yield stress of the fluid when it is in its active state can be
controlled precisely by varying the magnetic field intensity.

when a current is sent through the electromagnet it creates a magnetic charge of

varying intensity. when the magnets are off the fluid travels through the passages
freely but when they are on the iron particles in the fluid create a fibrous structure
through the passages in the same direction as the magnetic field.

Fig 7.1 working of the damper

the strength of the bonds between the magnetized iron particles causes the effective
viscosity of the fluid to increase resulting in a stiffer suspension.

If the strength of the magnetic field increases the viscosity of the fluid increases and
then the suspension becomes stiffer If the strength of the magnetic field decreases the

7
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

the viscosity of the fluid decreases and then the suspension becomes soft providing a
comfortable ride

Each wheel has a motion sensor sensing the motion of the wheels and the irregularities
in the road. The motion sensor communicates with the ECU (electronic control unit)
of the vehicle, providing the ECU (electronic control unit) with the necessary
information on the road conditions and the speed of the vehicle.

The ECU allocates the necessary magnetic energy to the corresponding MR damper
increasing or decreasing the effective viscosity of its MR fluids for optimum
performance

Fig 7.2 MagneRide suspension system (Motion sensor to ECU)

Fig 7.3 MagneRide suspension system (ECU to damper)

8
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Fig 7.3 Working of MagneRide suspension system

9
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

CHAPTER 8
Advantages
 For consumers, MagneRide increases driver comfort and handling capability,
leading to great driver confidence in all situations and conditions.
 MagneRide maximizes tire-to-road contact, minimizing the effect of
unexpected hazards like a dip or crest in the road, in turns, or on bumpy
surfaces.
 MagneRide improves road isolation and reduces driver fatigue, while at the
same time, increased damping control makes driving seem effortless, even on
demanding roads.
 MagneRide combines the comfort you want with the control you need,
resulting in a smooth drive, every drive, whatever the road surface…
 For automotive OEMs, MagneRide offers unparalleled damping capability,
tuneability, and control system flexibility.

Fig 8.1 Advantages of MagneRide suspension system

10
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

CHAPTER 9
Disadvantages
• Relatively high cost.

• The oil can thicken after continuous use and requires periodic replacement.

• Leaking fluid will eventually affect the ride quality and lead to squeaking or
clunking noises.

11
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

CHAPTER 10
CONCLUSION

 Many riding modes can be set up according to the driver’s requirement.

 Body roll of the vehicles can be reduced by using MagneRide.
 Using MagneRide can increase riding comfort and the performance of the
vehicle without compromising either.

12
MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

REFERENCES

•  "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-09-27. Retrieved 2013-09-22

•  "General Motors Magnetic Ride Control Technology". 14 January 2017

• "BWIGroup - Suspension - MAGNERIDE™ CONTROLLED SUSPENSION

SYSTEM". Archived from the original on 2015-02-20. Retrieved 2015-02-20

• "Audi R8 Magnetic Ride - Vidéo dailymotion". Dailymotion. 14 November 2008

•  Aaron Bragman (April 6, 2020), "2020 Cadillac CT5-V Test Drive: Great Car, Awful
Timing", Cars.com

13