Abstract
This paper presents dynamic modelling and optimal design of magnetorheological fluid (MR) based suspension system for a tracked vehicle. The MR suspension unit (MRSU) is designed to combine with a gas spring. The governing equation of motion of a tracked vehicle suspension is derived and the optimisation problem to find optimal geometric dimensions of the MR valve is undertaken to improve damping force and control energy. The performance characteristics of the optimised MRSU are then evaluated and compared with initial one. In addition, vibration control performances of the tracked vehicle suspension installed with the optimised MRSU are evaluated under bump excitation.