Investigation of the Influence of Magnetic Field Distribution on the Magnetorheological Absorber With Individually Controllable Coils

Abstract

In this paper, the magnetorheological (MR) absorber with multi-stage parallel coil structure is designed, which can realize various magnetic field variations through the working coil combination to meet different impact applications. To analyze the influence of different magnetic field distributions on the mechanical characteristics of the MR absorber and provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent open-loop control strategy, the coupling simulation analysis and impact test are carried out in this paper. Based on the COMSOL Multiphysics software, the conjugate heat transfer model and magneto-flow coupling simulation model are established. Considering the shear thinning effect of the MR fluid in the impact process, the modified Herschel–Bulkley constitutive model of MR fluid is embedded into the coupling model. The influence of four parameters on the mechanical performance of the MR absorber is considered, which includes the piston movement speed, the current amplitude, the number of working coils, and the distribution state of the magnetic field. In addition, the orthogonal evaluation method is used to quantitatively investigate the influence degree of these factors. Finally, the impact tests are conducted and verified the simulation results, that is, the magnetic field distribution near the fluid channel inlet has a more pronounced throttling effect and can get a greater output force under the symmetrical distribution of magnetic field.