Abstract: Based on the flex-rigid multi-body system dynamics model of railway vehicle, the first vertical bend structure modal and vertical and pitch rigid vibration of carbody which reduce the ride quality are controlled using independent modal space control (IMSC) and optimum control theory. A semi-active control strategy using MR damper is proposed to decease the vibration acceleration of the vehicle on the floor, to improve the ride quality of railway vehicle, and to save the energy consumed. The co-simulation of the full vehicle mechanical and semi-active control system is finished in ADAMS and Matlab//Simulink? environment. The simulation results show that this semi-active control method according to shyhook damper control model is effective, the first bend structure modal of carbody is restrained and the vehicle running behaviour is improved. This semi-active MR damper used in railway vehicle can be designed.

Key words: Semi-active control, Independent modal space control, Structure vibration, Flex-rigid multibody, MR damper, Railway vehicle