The present paper aims to investigate the impact of using magneto-rheologic fluids in semi-active suspension systems. For that purpose, the suspension system behavior will be analyzed in the case of dynamic control. It is verified whether a semi-active suspension system that uses magneto-rheologic fluids offers significant advantages by report to passive suspension systems. Two approaches were considered. The first one consisted of simulating both passive and semiactive suspension systems using Matlab Simulink. The conducted simulations yielded results for motion, speed, and accelerations of sprung and un-sprung masses. The second approach consisted of building an experimental set-up that uses a damper that is constructively contains a magneto-rheologic fluid, to which an adjustable variable magnetic field can be applied by means of a coil, in its turn controlled in current by a driver. The driver receives its excitation signals from sensors put in contact to the road surface model. The experimental set-up was conceived so that the un-sprung mass follows the road bumps. Simulation results were then compared to experimental ones.
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