Design of a magnetically sensitive monotube damper for leg prostheses applying magnetic materials

Abstract

In this article, application of smart fluids in the design of a magnetorheological damper is presented, which consists of a semi-active suspension device whose operation is through a magnetorheological fluid to allow infinitely variable damping force control in real time over a wide range and low power requirements. The damper design presented in this investigation operates in valve and sheave modes. In addition, the properties of the materials were considered giving emphasis to the magnetic permeability. By means of the magnetic method of finite elements (FEMM), simulations were performed for the magnetic field analysis that occurs in the three coils. For the construction of the MR buffer, it was done in accordance with the results of the finite element simulation (FEA). It was implemented in a prototype of transfemoral prosthesis.