BMW Magnetic Shock Absorber

What is a magnetic shock absorber in the car?

A magnetic shock absorber, also known as a magnetorheological (MR) shock absorber, is a type of shock absorber that uses magnetorheological fluids and electromagnets to adjust the damping force of the shock absorber. Magnetic shock absorbers are designed to provide improved handling, stability, and ride comfort in a variety of applications, including automotive suspension systems and industrial machinery. They can be used as part of a larger magnetic suspension system, which uses magnetic fields and electromagnets to control the movement and damping of the suspension, or as standalone components in a traditional suspension system.

How does a magnetic shock absorber work?

A magnetic shock absorber consists of a piston moving inside a cylinder filled with a magnetorheological fluid containing iron particles suspended in a liquid. When an electrical current is applied to the electromagnet located outside the cylinder, it generates a magnetic field that causes the iron particles in the fluid to align, increasing the viscosity of the fluid and the damping force of the shock absorber. By adjusting the strength of the electrical current, the damping force can be adjusted almost instantly, allowing the suspension system to adapt to changing road conditions and provide a smoother and more stable ride.

Magnetic shocks and struts

Magnetic shocks and magnetic struts are similar technologies that use magnetorheological fluids and electromagnets to adjust the damping force of the suspension, but they are designed for different types of suspension systems.

Magnetic shocks are designed to replace traditional hydraulic shocks in vehicles with independent suspension systems. The shocks use an electromagnet to control the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid, which adjusts the damping force and improves handling and ride comfort. Magnetic struts, on the other hand, are designed for use in vehicles with MacPherson strut suspension systems. The struts use a similar system of electromagnets and magnetorheological fluids to adjust the damping force and improve handling and ride comfort, but they are integrated with the suspension strut assembly.