Modeling a magnetorheological elastomer’s transient stiffness parameters

Abstract

Semiactive vibration absorbers are tunable vibration absorbers whose natural frequencies can change controllably to minimize vibration better than their passive counterparts, which can be used to reduce occupant vibration in cars. The variable natural frequency is achieved by using a dynamically tunable spring. In order to use a material as a dynamically tunable spring, its transient parameters must be understood and controlled, so as not to lead to instability. This work characterizes the behavior of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs), which are a type of ferromagnetic-elastomer composites whose tensile/compressional stiffness increases as an applied magnetic field is increased. If the transition from one stiffness state to another is too slow, the MRE can have a detrimental effect on vibration control. Transient behavior of MREs with different concentrations of ferromagnetic material and different geometric shapes was recorded empirically, and the MRE stiffness change in response to a change in magnetic field was modeled as a function of ferromagnetic content, MRE geometric shape, and the change in magnetic field strength. MREs in this configuration exhibited natural frequencies in the 30–65-Hz range, where MREs were able to change their natural frequency by up to 17%.