Performance Characteristics of Prototype MR Engine Mounts Containing Glycol MR Fluids

Abstract

Lord Corporation has developed glycol-based magnetorheological (MR) fluids for use in applications such as engine mounts and bushings, in which the MR fluid will contact rubber or other oil-sensitive elastomers. Prototype MR fluid engine mounts were designed with either a simple MR valve or an MR valve in combination with an inertia track. The mounts were filled with glycol MR fluids containing either 22% or 36% iron by volume, and the mounts’ dynamic responses were measured. The mounts displayed large changes in dynamic stiffness and damping that were controllable by changing the strength of the magnetic field.