Published on: 2026-09-24
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
At the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, a study on the scalability parameters and energy balance of non-liquid magnetic dampers (NMD) for construction and road machinery was completed. The work was conducted by an associate professor of the Department of Ground Transport and Technological Machines at SPbGASU, Candidate of Technical Sciences. Roman Litvin.
The study is aimed at improving the efficiency of vehicle suspensions, including those operated in low-temperature conditions, especially in the Far North. In traditional hydraulic shock absorbers, the properties of the working fluid change when severely cooled, which can affect suspension performance.
Unlike traditional solutions, BMA do not use a working fluid. The resistance force in them is formed due to the interaction of the magnetic field and eddy currents, and the damping characteristics can be adjusted by changing the coil current. This allows adapting the shock absorber operation to various operating conditions.
During the study, scientists developed a generalized BMA model and a scaling methodology for designs of equipment of various masses — from passenger cars to trucks and construction-road machinery. Modeling showed that when the proposed scaling criterion is followed, the ride smoothness characteristics of machines of different classes remain similar.
In addition, the researchers evaluated the energy balance of the damper and the possibility of recovering energy from the suspension oscillations. The calculations confirmed the potential of using the BMA in semi-active suspension control systems and energy harvesting.
The obtained results can be used in the design of suspensions for passenger cars, trucks, and construction and road machinery, especially for machines operating in northern and Arctic conditions.
“The research results allow us to move from analyzing an individual prototype to a generalized methodology for designing fluidless magnetic dampers for equipment of various masses and purposes. The next important stage will be the experimental verification of the obtained calculated results on a full-scale test bench,” noted Roman Litvin.
The research was carried out within the framework of a grant for conducting scientific research by the scientific and pedagogical staff of SPbGASU in 2026.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.