Modeling and experimental validation of throttling characteristics of a damper pilot proportional solenoid valve

To improve the accuracy of damping force prediction and enhance the reliability of theoretical modeling for valve-controlled adjustable shock absorbers, this study focuses on the throttling characteristics and pressure regulation behavior of a pilot proportional solenoid valve. As a key functional component in continuously adjustable shock absorbers, the performance of this valve directly affects the controllability and stability of the damping force. However, in previous studies, a relatively complete simulation model suitable for systematically analyzing its working characteristics and structural features has not been fully established. In this work, the valve structure and operating principle are first analyzed to clarify the internal flow paths, force balance conditions, and regulation mechanism under different electrical inputs. On this basis, a mathematical model describing the multi-physics coupling characteristics of the valve is developed, taking into account the interaction among electromagnetic actuation, spool dynamics, and hydraulic flow behavior. Subsequently, an Amesim-based simulation model is constructed to investigate the throttling performance and pressure regulation characteristics of the valve under different conditions. The simulation results show that the valve delivers moderate throttling performance at 0 A, weakened throttling performance at 0.4 A, moderate throttling performance at 0.6 A (higher than that at 0.4 A but lower than that at 0 A), and enhanced throttling performance at 1.2 A. To validate the accuracy and reliability of the proposed model, static and dynamic characteristic experiments are conducted. The experimental results show good agreement with the simulation predictions over the tested operating range. The results demonstrate that the developed model can effectively capture the throttling characteristics and pressure regulation behavior of the pilot proportional solenoid valve. The proposed modeling and simulation approach provides a reliable foundation for the performance analysis and optimization of valve-controlled adjustable shock absorbers and supports further investigation into their damping characteristics.