Transient dynamics of the field induced force in the isotropic magnetorheological elastomer

Abstract

The transition dynamics in silicon rubber based isotropic magnetorheological (MR) elastomers in terms of the normal force induced by an external homogeneous magnetic field is experimentally addressed. The primary goal was to evaluate dynamic performances of the MR elastic isotropic composite using a transparently presented measuring system with known characteristics in contrast to few previous studies on the topic. It was found that an increase in the magnetic field leads to an increase in the induced force and a decrease in the response time of the MR elastomer. At the same time, both the use of coarse particles as magnetic filler and a significant reduction in the stiffness of the polymer matrix reduce the response time of the MR elastomer under study. The analysis carried out takes into account the dynamics of the electromagnetic coil and the eddy currents induced in the magnet circuit. The shortest response times obtained for various MR elastomer samples are in the range of 27–72 ms for the maximal used magnetic field with an induction of 230 mT. These times correspond to the fastest previously reported ones for MR elastomers and MR elastomer based systems. In addition, the obtained results indicate the presence of different mechanisms responsible for the measured magnetodeformational effect observed in MR elastomers.