Magnetorheological Fluid Damper Research Articles

Suppressing structural vibration of a jacket-type platform employing a novel Magneto-Rheological Tuned Liquid Column Gas Damper (MR-TLCGD)

Structural vibration is one of the main engineering concerns in recent decades especially in offshore structures due to the dynamic environment and accessibility. Among different methods, applying a device within the primary system for mitigating the vibration through system damping increment is one of the most promising methods. In this study, a combined novel Magneto-Rheological Tuned Liquid Column Gas Damper (MR-TLCGD) as a damping system is introduced for the first time in structural control field and the efficiency of the system is investigated on a three dimensional fixed offshore jacket platform under both wave and earthquake excitation. The performance of the system is studied through considering different values of yield stress and gas pressure as of the main parameters of MR fluid and gas damper. The results are compared to a previously studied Tuned Liquid Column Gas Damper (TLCGD) system. Based on the results, utilizing an MR-TLCGD system in an offshore structure can be defined as a proper choice for reducing structural vibration. It can be concluded that considering an appropriate value for yield stress and gas pressure, regardless of the results limitation for this case study, is of great importance in practical cases.

Performance Evaluation of a Magnetorheological Fluid Damper Using Numerical and Theoretical Methods With Experimental Validation

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids which can exhibit substantial reversible rheological changes under the excitation of external magnetic fields, have enabled the construction of many novel and robust electromechanical devices in recent years. Generally, Bingham plastic model is utilised for the estimation of the characteristics of MR fluids. However, when the geometry and design of the MR device as well as the rheological conditions of the fluid itself become complicated due to the engineering application requirements, the accuracy of Bingham plastic model, which simplifies the relation between the fluid shear stress and shear rate into a linear function, is degraded. In this paper, a multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) magnetorheological fluid damper with a novel ball-and-socket structure was developed, which was aimed to enhance the human shoulder rehabilitation treatment. The performance of the proposed smart device with its complex design was estimated numerically using a finite element method (FEM) with a Herschel-Bulkley model and theoretically with a model that is based on a Bingham plastic fluid characteristics. The performance of the developed damper was validated experimentally using a dedicated testing facility for various input conditions. It was found that the FEM simulations with the Herschel-Bulkley model showed a better agreement with the experimental results in comparison with the theoretical predictions which were somewhat degraded with the employed Bingham plastic model.

Semi-active Control to Reduce Lateral Vibration of Passenger Rail Vehicle Using Disturbance Rejection and Continuous State Damper Controllers

In this paper, Bouc–Wen type magnetorheological fluid damper has been used to monitor the ride quality of a prevailing rail vehicle in lateral vibrations. Modelling of the rail vehicle is done in such a manner that it has an entire 9 degrees of freedom by significant considerations of lateral, roll and yaw motions of the car body, rear, and the front chassis. 200 km/h is considered as train speed for tracks with two varying disturbances. A system consisting of multibody in VI-rail software is provided by a track input and ergo, wheel response it obtained. SIMULINK (software) is responsible for the representation of the motions of the wheel as mathematical models. Two different types of analysis are done firstly with conventional passive lateral damper and secondly with semi-active MR lateral damper in subordinate suspension. To diminish lateral vibrations, the disturbance refusal and non-stop state controller algorithms were executed to manage the damper force. Results acquired are in the form of acceleration and displacement of the center of mass of the body under consideration is done by comparing in terms of reduction indices of their vibrations. A significant improvement in the index is seen in which a semi-active lateral damper is mounted. The results show that the proposed system significantly improves both, the vibration attenuation ability and the ride quality of the vehicle.

Optimization and performance analysis of magnetorheological fluid damper considering different piston configurations

This article presents the design and multi-physics coupling analysis of a shear-valve-mode magnetorheological fluid damper with different piston configurations. The finite element model is built to study the effects of the shape of the piston slot and magnetism-insulators at both ends of the piston yoke on the performance of the magnetorheological damper. Particle swarm optimization and finite element simulation are combined to optimize the structural parameters of the magnetorheological damper. The influences of different piston configurations on the magnetic flux density in the working gap, the shear stress, the viscous stress, and the dynamic range are investigated. The simulation results reveal that the magnetorheological damper, in which the corners of the piston slot are chamfered and the edges of the magnetism-insulators are filleted, exhibits a better damping performance. Furthermore, magnetorheological dampers with and without magnetism-insulators are fabricated. The influences of control current, displacement, and velocity on the mechanical performance of the magnetorheological dampers are experimentally investigated, and the experiment results are in accordance with the theoretical derivation and finite element simulation results.

A Bi-Directional, Liquid-Spring-Magnetorheological-Fluid-Damper System

The goal of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel fail-safe, bi-directional liquid spring, controllable magnetorheological fluid damper (BDLS-CMRD). This research introduces a device with independently pre-set spring forces in compression and rebound combined with controllable MR fluid damping. The BDLS-CMRD can potentially replace traditional metal spring-damper suspension systems. Bulky and heavy metal spring-damper suspension systems can be upgraded to the smaller and lighter BDLS-CMRD, reducing the mass of vehicle suspensions. In this work, a BDLS-CMRD was designed, fabricated, tested and evaluated in three phases. The first design phase demonstrates the concept of a liquid spring with different spring forces in compression and rebound. The second phase incorporates viscous fluid damping of pure silicone fluid with the first phase BDLS. The final design phase combines a controllable magnetorheological fluid (MRF) damper with the first phase BDLS. This study presents the response of the BDLS-CMRD in a wide range of preloaded conditions and frequencies. Experiments were performed for sinusoidal displacements in the quasistatic and dynamic ranges to evaluate the performance of the BDLS-CMRD under different magnetic fields. The experimental results demonstrate that the device operates with significantly different spring forces from the compression to rebound regions, while providing passive viscous fluid damping or controllable MR fluid damping. This system has successfully demonstrated that the utility of a bi-directional liquid spring can be combined with the reliability of passive viscous fluid damping and the capabilities of controllable MR fluid damping into one compact and versatile device.

Scale-Based product family optimization design based on the improved AMPSO in selecting optimum strategy

Abstract The main contribution of this paper is to propose a two-stage scale-based product family design method (TPFDM) based on an improved adaptive mutation particle swarm optimization (AMPSO) algorithm. To do that, the problem involved in scale-based product family design is analyzed and modelled. A two-stage optimized design process is built to solve the problem. To build and optimize the product family platform, a multi-objectives model about the product family design problem is established. The multi-objectives problem and each parameter's sensitivity as well as variation index about objectives are solved via an intelligent optimization algorithm. The platform constants and non-platform variables are discriminated by sensitivity and variation index in the first stage. The main work of the second stage is to optimize products based on product platform via the intelligent optimization algorithm. Moreover, in order to overcome the early maturity phenomenon of the particle swarm optimization algorithm, an improved AMPSO algorithm is proposed to introduce the concept of the non-individual optimum strategy and the dominate strategy. Finally, aerial magnetorheological fluid damper family design is used as an example to demonstrate effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.

A Review on Structural Development of Magnetorheological Fluid Damper

Owing to unique advantages, magnetorheological fluid (MRF) dampers have been widely adopted in different fields of vibration control. Significant differences of structures occur in diverse fields due to the respective requirements, thus obtaining a large number of MR dampers. Having a good understanding of types, technical characteristics, comprehensive performance, and developing trend and their dependencies on structures are extremely conducive to innovative developments and a market selection. While the fundamental and partial structures are summarized in an existing review, the classification, latest technologies, and developing trend are not involved clearly. Therefore, the current survey aims at a comprehensive supplement in such aspects. The review begins with an introduction of the development, application, and classification. Then, details of three technical routes are revealed, and the development of each type is roughly analyzed. Finally, reflecting through this review, structures including a novel flow mode and miniature bypass valves have represented the currently structural and technical features. Fully considering the latest technologies and future requirements, the developing trend and a variety of applications will be anticipated.

Experimental Verification on Seismic Wave Damping for the Elevator with a Magnetorheological Fluid Damper

Experimental Verification on Seismic Wave Damping for the Elevator with a Magnetorheological Fluid Damper

Dynamic and Stability Analysis of the Machine Hydrostatic Slide with Magnetorheological Damper

Tangential dynamic behaviors of the machine hydrostatic slide with a magnetorheological (MR) fluid damper are studied, and the effect of the MR damper to control the vibration of the hydrostatic slide is discussed. The dynamic model of the hydrostatic slide with the MR damper is established, and the tangential vibration equation of linear and nonlinear is derived. The multidimensional incremental harmonic balance method (MIHBM) with discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is derived by which the nonlinear response and stability of the system are studied. The resonance response of the Duffing equation under the combined action of harmonic excitation and constant excitation is obtained. In order to investigate the vibration response of the hydrostatic slide with the MR damper in detail, the bifurcation diagram, phase diagram, and Poincaré map are given. Finally, the dynamic response of the machine hydrostatic slide with the MR damper is discussed, and it is verified that the MR damper can suppress the tangential vibration of the hydrostatic slide effectively and the constant controller can control the chaotic behavior of the system well.

The design and dynamic analysis of a lunar lander with semi-active control

The Moon is the nearest celestial body to the Earth and the starting point of the space exploration for the human being. The impact energy absorption and landing stability of lunar landers are extremely critical for lunar exploration. However, traditional landers cannot adapt to complex landing conditions and response to any unforeseen accidents during the landing process. Although some researchers have proposed the idea for the lander with MRF dampers, there are relatively few detailed structural designs and practical landing research studies. In this paper, we propose a detailed new type of lander with magnetorheological fluid dampers implemented as the primary struts, which can absorb the impact energy from landing. Its damping force is controlled by semi-active controlled currents based on the derived hydrodynamics of magnetorheological fluid dampers and can adjust to practical landing conditions. The simulation models of landers with the aluminum honeycomb and semi-active control are constructed in MSC Adams separately to compare their landing performances. Their simulation results show that this new type of lander can effectively reduce the largest acceleration by 26.18% under the largest acceleration response condition and the largest compression by 11.77% under the largest compression of primary struts condition. Its performance for more inclined and both smoother and rougher landing surfaces is better than that of traditional passive landers. It is believed that the proposed new type of lander is capable of landing on more complex and unexplored terrains for future lunar explorations.

Dynamic modeling and sliding mode control of single cylinder double annular channels MRF damper

In order to satisfy the adjusting of recoil system of the gun to different firing conditions, a magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) damper with double annular channel is proposed, which can satisfy the maximum recoil displacement and reduce the force acting on the gun carriage. The double annular channels MRF damper has less zero field damping force and has a larger range of resistance regulation. The dynamic model of MRF damper considering inertia effect is established, and the mechanical properties of MRF damper are tested. The experimental results shown that the calculated values are in good agreement with the experimental values. According to the gun recoil dynamic model of MRF damper, a sliding mode tracking controller based on constant velocity reaching law is designed, and the recoil process of the gun is simulated. The results shown that the MRF damper damping force under the sliding mode control algorithm has a plateau effect, which can be used in the recoil motion control of the gun.

Design and modeling analysis of a changeable stiffness robotic leg working with magnetorheological technology

Since animals can adjust the stiffness of their bodies and/or appendages to adapt to changing environments and internal states and tasks, a robotic leg with changeable stiffness would be of assistance in developing mobile terrestrial robots. In this article, we present an improved model of a robotic leg that can alter its stiffness in real time by changing the characteristics of magnetorheological fluid. This particular robotic leg has a changeable stiffness module, which consists of a rotating magnetorheological fluid damper, a torsional spring, and a linear spring. The rotary magnetorheological fluid damper is used to control the deformation of a torsional spring, which alters the stiffness of the leg. To describe the mechanical features of the leg, a simplified mechanical model was built and then various experiments were carried out to verify the changeable stiffness characteristics. The simulation experiments of dual-leg locomotion were carried out to investigate the locomotive performance, including walking speed, maximum torque of motor, height variants, and mechanical cost of transport. These results demonstrate the adaptability and advantages of this changeable stiffness robotic leg and also indicated that developing a terrestrial robot which can adapt to various complex environments and tasks would be a worthwhile exercise.

Vibration Analysis and Control of Nuclear Power Crane with MRFD

The nuclear power crane is required to have high security and stability, as its lifting mechanism and span structure are needed to perform predominantly in serious working conditions. A new vibration analysis and control method on the nuclear power crane is proposed to improve its stability, which is based on magneto rheological fluid damper (MRFD) and switch algorithm control strategy. The simulation is completed through dynamic model and control model. The experiment is accomplished in a serving crane. Both numerical simulated and experimental results show that the vibration of nuclear power crane is suppressed significantly with MRFD. It is proved that MRFD should be taken into consideration in the vibration control of nuclear power crane.

Simulation of Quarter-Car Model with Magnetorheological Dampers for Ride Quality Improvement

A semi-active suspension system using Magnetorheological (MR) damper overcomes all the inherent limits of passive and active suspension systems and combines the advantages of both. This paper gives a concise introduction to the suspension system of a passenger vehicle which is presented along with the analysis of semi-active suspension system using MR fluid dampers based on Bingham model. MR dampers are filled with MR fluids whose properties can be controlled by applying voltage signal. To further prove the statement, a quarter car model with two degrees of freedom has been used for modeling the suspension system the sprung mass acceleration of passive suspension system has been compared with the semi-active suspension system using the Bingham model for MRF damper. Simulink/MATLAB is used to carry out the simulation. The results drawn show that the semi-active suspension system performed better than the passive suspension system in terms of vehicle stability.

Low-energy structures embedded with smart dampers

Building structures, subject to dynamic loadings or external disturbances, may undergo destructive vibrations and encounter different degrees of deformation. Modeling and control techniques can be applied to effectively damp out these vibrations and maintain structural health with a low energy cost. Smart structures embedded with semi-active control devices, offer a promising solution to the problem. The smart damping concept has been proven to be an effective approach for input energy shaping and suppressing unwanted vibrations in structural control for buildings embedded with magnetorheological fluid dampers (MRDs). In this paper, the dissipation energy in MRD is studied by using results from induced hysteretic effect of structural vibrations while the fluid is placed under a controlled magnetic field. Then, a frequency-shaped second-order sliding mode controller (FS2SMC) is designed along with a low-pass filter to implement the desired dynamic sliding surface, wherein the frequency responses of the hysteretic MRD is represented by its magnitude and phase describing functions. The proposed controller can thus shape the frequency characteristics of the equivalent dynamics for the MRD-embedded structure against induced vibrations, and hence, dissipate the energy flow within the smart devices to prevent structural damage. Simulation results for a 10-floor building model equipped with current-controlled MRDs, subject to horizontal seismic excitations validate the proposed technique for low-energy structures with smart devices. The closed-loop performance and comparison in terms of energy signals indicate that the proposed method allows not only to reduce induced vibrations and input energy, but also its spectrum can be adjusted to prevent natural modes of the structure under external excitations.

Electromechanical characteristics and numerical simulation of a new smaller magnetorheological fluid damper

In order to develop a smaller magnetorheological fluid (MRF) damper and its corresponding analysis software, a new MRF damper with outer-coils and testing system was designed. The testing results show that the MRF has good mechanical properties when the damping gap is 1.5 mm. The smoothing damping force is only 1.0–4.0 N by adjusting the coil current from 0 A to 2 A, and it is linearly related to current through data fitting. The damping force versus velocity curve has obvious hysteresis characteristic, and an improved nonlinear dynamic model is proposed. Based on the model and linear function, electromechanical characteristics of the MRF damper can be simulated by Simulink, which provides an analysis platform for applications of the damper.

Experimental analysis of vibration isolation using hybrid magnet and magnetorheological fluid damper

This work analyzes the effect of magnetic field strengths of actuators on the performance of vibration isolation of quarter car model. Hybrid magnet and magnetorheological fluid damper with the nano- and micron-sized iron oxide particles are employed as actuators in parallel with the conventional elements of the car model. Experimental work has been carried out on a laboratory scale model of a two degree of freedom quarter car with the help of electrodynamic shaker, accelerometers, data acquisition card and LabVIEW software. The performance is evaluated based on suspension deflection, tire deflection and transmissibility ratio. The improvement in the performance of the combined effect of actuators is better than the conventional and individual elements.

Experimental Evaluation of Magnetorheological Damper Characteristics for Vibration Analysis

Magnetorheological (MR) fluid damper has been designed, fabricated and tested to find the stiffness and damping characteristics. Experimentally the MR damper has been tested to analyse the behaviour of MR fluid as well as to obtain the stiffness for varying magnetic field. MR damper mathematical model has been developed for evaluating dynamic response for experimentally obtained parameters. The experimental results show that the increase of applied electric current in the MR damper, the damping force will increase remarkably up to the saturation value of current. The numerical simulation results that stiffness of the MR damper can be varied with the current value and increase the damping forces with the reduced amplitude of excitation. Experimental and theoretical results of the MR damper characteristics demonstrate that the developed MR damper can be used for vibration isolation and suppression.

Control of transtibial prosthetic limb with magnetorheological fluid damper by using a fuzzy PID controller

The damping characteristic of a healthy limb changes throughout the gait cycle. However, for amputees who are wearing mechanically passive damping prosthesis, the lack of ability to change the damping values might expose them to injuries and health problems. The use of magnetorheological fluid damper in prosthetic limb, which provides wide dynamic range, seems to be able to prevent these conditions from happening, due to its response to the magnetic field. The magnetorheological fluid, a type of smart material that is capable of altering its rheological property, changes its viscosity subjected to the intensity of the external magnetic field. Thus, due to this property, magnetorheological fluid damper covers the advantages of both passive and active dampers. This work explores the implementation of magnetorheological fluid damper in transtibial (below knee) prosthetic limb utilizing adaptive control techniques via simulation studies. An experimental study was done to observe the relationship of the force generated by the damper to the applied current. In addition, fuzzy-proportional–integral–derivative controller was implemented to ensure that the damper performs well, even at varying frequencies.

Optimal control with fuzzy compensation for a magnetorheological fluid damper employed in a gun recoil system

This article presents an optimal control strategy with fuzzy compensation for a magnetorheological fluid damper in control of a full-scale gun recoil buffering system. The novel control strategy combines the optimal control, in which no measurement feedback needed and the fuzzy logic control which is independent of any theoretical model. The theoretical optimal controllable damping force rule, as a fail-safe control output when the measurement system fails under the extreme condition of impact loading, is derived from the analytical solution of the kinematic equation of the recoil system with a magnetorheological damper. A one-dimensional fuzzy controller and a two-dimensional fuzzy controller are both designed and performed by simulation in order to evaluate the effectiveness of fuzzy control strategy as compensation in the magnetorheological recoil system. A magnetorheological damper for the real firing impact loading is designed and manufactured. Furthermore, an experimental study is carried out to evaluate the optimal control strategy with fuzzy compensation for magnetorheological damper on a firing test rig. The experimental results indicate that the proposed control strategy in this article obtains better buffering performance comprehensively compared with the conventional control strategies.