Dynamic Testing and Modeling of an MR Squeeze Mount

Abstract

MR fluid squeeze mode investigations at CVeSS have shown that MR fluids show large force capabilities in squeeze mode. It was found that MR fluids in squeeze mode may be used in a wide range of applications such as engine mounts and impact dampers. In these applications, MR fluid is flowing in a dynamic environment due to the transient nature of inputs and system characteristics. The research presented in this article undertakes the problem of dynamic testing and modeling of MR fluid squeeze mounts. Dynamic tests of an MR mount are studied for different applied currents, initial gaps, frequencies, and excitation amplitudes. An effective mathematical model of the MR squeeze mount for steady-state testing was built which includes the effect of the inertia of the fluid. The results show that the compression force and the area of the hysteresis loop increase with the increase of excitation amplitude or applied current and it will decrease with the increase of frequency or initial gap. Also, the inertia effect becomes more significant for higher displacement frequencies. The mathematical model agrees with the test data very well during the compression process and it can be used for the dynamics analysis and the real-time control.