DESIGN AND TESTING OF A COMPACT MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL DAMPER FOR HIGH IMPULSIVE LOADS

Abstract

Magnetorheological (MR) based semi-active dampers for the protection of sensitive devices against high shock and impact is examined from design considerations to characterization testing. Shock and impact dampers should be able to produce a high damping force at high velocities. However, a specification requiring high damping force generally causes an increase in the size of shock and impact dampers, which motivates the study of MR dampers to retrofit existing or conventional passive shock and impact dampers. A novel MR damper design was developed in this study for achieving both design goals: high force and compactness. The novel MR damper design increases the number of magnetically active volumes through which fluid to passes while minimizing damper length. Through FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis, the magnetic properties of the proposed design are investigated prior to actual fabrication. In addition to the unique magnetic circuit, other considerations stemming from the high pressures and velocities expected in this device are addressed. Characterization testing was performed up to 12 Hz with 1 inch sinusoidal stroke on a servo-hydraulic testing machine. These tests demonstrate that the MR damper is able to provide a high damping force at high velocity.