Design of a squeeze film magnetorheological brake considering compression enhanced shear yield stress of magnetorheological fluid

Abstract

A magnetorheological brake, consisting of rotating disks immersed in a MR fluid and enclosed in an electromagnet, is proposed to replace the conventional heavy weight low response hydraulic disk brake. The frictional characteristics of the proposed brake can be controlled by regulating the yield stress of the MR fluid as function of magnetic field and normal compressive force. The controllable yield stress retards the surfaces of rotating disks, thus MR fluid can be used as a brake lining material. The present research work attempts designing a squeeze film MR brake by accounting compression enhanced shear yield stress of magnetorheological fluid. Theoretical calculations indicate that the estimated braking torque of the six plate squeeze film MR brake, under compression, is in the order of 600Nm. To validate the theoretical design and its findings, a prototype of single-plate squeeze film MR disk brake has been developed. Experimental test setup helps to illustrate braking torque under different control currents (0.0 to 1.25 A).