MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL

FLUIDS

ADITYA RAMAKRISHNAN
MEEN 3344
FALL 2004
WHAT ARE ‘MR’ FLUIDS?

 Dispersions of Particles made of a soft magnetic

material in a carrier oil.
 Carbonyl Iron Particles in Silicone Oil
 A typical MR fluid contains 20–40% by volume of relatively
pure, soft iron particles,
 Other Versions made out of Ceramics, or Synthetic
Polymers.
INTRODUCTION

 Viscosity controlled by the application of a Magnetic

Field.
 Viscosity directionally proportional to the strength of
Magnetic field.
 Viscosity change is achieved in a fraction of a
millisecond.
 Viscosity can be altered several times with fluid
properties unaltered.
 Variety of applications.
 Numerous Advantages
More info - ‘MR’ FLUIDS?

 Tiny Iron Particles align with Magnetic Field.

 Fluid turns pasty and feels very stiff.
 Reverts to liquid when Magnetic Field is
removed.
 The weight and space required by the coils to
produce magnetic field is a setback.
APPLICATIONS

 Vibration Control
 Active Damping Controls
 Brakes
 Clutches
 Stabilizing Leg Brace
 Regulating Flow
 Exercise Equipment
 Other Applications
 Variable damping system based on magnetorheological fluid sponges can
help control the vibratory motion of a household washing machine during its
Magnetorheological spin cycle. Damping is switched on as the drum passes through resonance
shocks and off again at the highest speeds for optimum vibration isolation.
References

 http://www.liquidsresearch.com/products/magnet.asp
 http://www.ima.umn.edu/industrial/99-2000/ginder.html
 http://www.pitt.edu/~ppp/engres/
 http://cee.uiuc.edu/sstl/gyang2/Ch2.pdf
 http://www.motortrend.com/future/spied/112_0304_c6/index3.html
 www.sensorsmag.com/ articles/0202/30/main.shtml
 http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/app/home/contribution.asp?wasp=1f
99bfcqyp6kynaakq5r&referrer=parent&backto=searcharticlesresults,
1,10;homemain,1,1;
 http://www.djc.com/news/ae/11151055.html