Dynamic Performance Analysis of a Compact Annular-Radial-Orifice Flow Magnetorheological Valve and Its Application in the Valve Controlled Cylinder System

Abstract

A compact annular-radial-orifice flow magnetorheological (MR) valve with variable radial damping gaps was proposed, and its structure and working principle were also described. Firstly, a mathematical model of pressure drop was established as well to evaluate the dynamic performance of the proposed MR valve. Sequentially, the pressure drop distribution of the MR valve in each flow channel was simulated and analyzed based on the average magnetic flux densities and yield stress along the damping gaps through finite element method. Further, the experimental test rig was setup to explore the pressure drop performance and the response characteristic of the MR valve and to investigate dynamic performance of the valve controlled cylinder system under different radial damping gaps. The experimental results revealed that the pressure drop and response time of the MR valve augment significantly with the increase of applied current and decrease of the radial damping gap. In addition, the damping force of the proposed MR valve controlled cylinder system decrease with the increase of the radial damping gap. The maximum damping force can reach about 4.72 kN at the applied current of 2 A and the radial damping gap of 0.5 mm. Meanwhile, the minimum damping force can reach about 0.67 kN at the applied current of 0 A and the radial damping gap of 1.5 mm. This study clearly demonstrates that the radial damping gap of the MR valve is the key parameter which directly affects the dynamic characteristics of the valve controlled cylinder system, and the proposed MR valve can meet the requirements of different working conditions by changing the radial damping gaps.