Flow Analysis and Modeling of Field-Controllable, Electro- and Magneto-Rheological Fluid Dampers

Abstract

This study combines a fluid mechanics-based approach and the Herschel-Bulkley constitutive equation to develop a theoretical model for predicting the behavior of field-controllable, magneto-rheological (MR), and electro-rheological (ER) fluid dampers. The goal is to provide an accurate theoretical model for analysis, design, and development of control algorithms of MR/ER dampers. Simplified explicit expressions for closed-form solution of the pressure drop across a MR fluid valve are developed. The Herschel-Bulkley quasi-steady flow analysis is extended to include the effect of fluid compressibility to account for the nonlinear dynamic behavior of MR/ER fluid dampers. The advantage of this model is that it only depends on geometric and material properties of the MR/ER material and the device. The theoretical results are validated by an experimental study. It is demonstrated that the proposed model can effectively predict the nonlinear behavior of field-controllable fluid dampers.