Abstract: The theory, structure and experimental research on a new ERF shock absorber with outside electrorheological clique are described. The theoretical model is developed to describe the relationship between electric field and damping force of the ERF shock absorber. The damping force comprises two parts: one represents the Newtonian component of Qiscosity, when no electric field is applied, it is general shock absorber, another one represents the electric field induced shear stress, the damping force is proportional to the applied electric field strength. Experiments are made to support the theoretical studies. The results show that its main advantages are the obvious variation of damping force, its fast response, ease of control, simple construction and low power requirements. It has achieved the required range of the vehicle damping force. It is meaningful for practical application.

Key words: Damping force, Electrorheological clique, Electrorheological fluid shock absorber