Abstract:This paper focuses on the fuzzy controller design for the helicopter seat suspension with a magnetorheological energy absorber (MREA). Firstly, a single-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of magnetorheological seat suspension system was established. To guarantee that MREA can fully dissipate the impact energy and avoid the peak value of the impact force to exceed the injury limit endured by the human body, "soft landing" and realizing the platform effect of the output force-displacement curve were the control objectives. With consideration of the nonlinear of impact system and varying loads, a fuzzy controller (FC) with the characteristics of nonlinear and strong robustness was designed by employing the piston motion speed and displacement as inputs of FC and the force generated by MREA as output. Finally, under the impact velocity of 6-12 m/s, the effectiveness of the designed FC was verified through numerical simulation. The results show that the impact load transmitted to the human body is lower than the human body’s injury limit, and the impact energy is absorbed fully by MREA. Meanwhile, compared with existing linear constant total force controller and constant yield controller, the proposed FC can effectively avoid the secondary rebound while achieving the objectives of the platform effect and soft landing.