Variable stiffness mechanisms of dual parameters changing magnetorheological fluid devices

Abstract

Magnetorheological fluid (MRF) dampers are widely used as the variable damping devices in the semi-active vibration control system. In order to further improve the vibration reduction performance, a variable stiffness MRF damper with two chambers and two springs has been proposed recently. According to the test results, both of the damping and stiffness of the device can be controllable by changing the applied current independently. However, the mechanisms of variable stiffness for this device are still not clear. In this paper, the force transmissions of the parts of the variable stiffness MRF damper are analyzed, which reveals the variable stiffness mechanisms of dual parameters changing MRF devices. There are three stages for the variable stiffness MRF damper due to the friction and the yield of MR fluid. These stages can be controlled by the applied current of the different chambers, which changes the equivalent stiffness of the device. The proposed modelling of the device is verified by simulations and tests. In addition, the relationships between the equivalent stiffness and the parameters of the device are derived, which provide the design guidance for the variable stiffness MRF dampers.