Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Giant MR-Effect

Abstract

This contribution deals with the theoretical and experimental investigation of the giant MR-effect. The giant MR-effect can be utilized to increase the yield stress of magnetorheological fluids (MRF). To obtain a boost of the yield stress the MRF has to be normally compressed while it is exposed to a magnetic field in order to create stronger particle structures. For the experimental investigation a MRF test actuator with an conical shear gap is designed, enabling an adjustment of the shear gap’s height by applying a compressing normal force. The experimental investigation points out that a potentially increase of the yield stress can be achieved on the one hand. On the other hand it is dependent on the magnetic field strength during the compression as well as on the shear rate and shear strain. The results are used to motivate a modeling approach which combines the rheological behavior with tribological effects. The validation of the modeling approach shows a good accordance to the behavior of the physical investigated giant MR-effect.