Abstract: A method allows the rapid evaluation of physical properties of chassis elastomeric devices in a motor vehicle. A parametric controller (26) provides a parametric state signal to a elastomer control module (24), which in turn generates an appropriate electrical current signal which is communicated to a variable elastomeric device (22) which includes a magnetorheological elastomer having iron particles embedded therein and a coil operatively associated therewith. When the coil is energized by electrical current signal provided from the elastomer control module (24), a magnetic field is generated which provides predetermined variability in the physical properties of the elastomeric device (22), allowing the rapid evaluation of vehicle performance for given physical properties of the elastomeric device (22).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring displacement and force transferred through an elastomeric member, such as a suspension bushing (17) as used in a suspension of a motor vehicle, comprises an inner cylinder (26) fixedly connected to a suspension member (23), and an outer cylinder (28) fixedly connected to a chassis member (29). A magnetorheological elastomer (32), having particles embedded therein, is interposed between the inner (26) and outer (28) cylinders, and an electrode (44) is disposed about the inner cylinder (26). When the electrode (44) is energized by electrical current provided from module (18), a preselected electrical state resulting from the dielectric properties of the magnetorheological elastomer (32) varies in a predetermined manner in response to changes in displacement of the elastomeric material (32).

Abstract: An noise attenuation system disposed on a movable side glass (14) of a motor vehicle for reducing the noise within the passenger compartment. In the preferred embodiment, a piezoceramic sensor (46) and piezoceramic actuators (42, 44) are disposed on a side glass (14) below the beltline (24) of a door (10) on a motor vehicle. The actuators (42, 44) are controllably vibrated in reverse phase to a signal generated by the sensor (46) to cancel or reduce vibrations of the side glass (14). The noise transmitted into the passenger compartment by the side glass (14) is thereby significantly reduced.