Effect of Piston Displacement on Performance of an MR Damper for Structural Application

Abstract

Semiactive vibration control devices have grown in popularity due to their ability to regulate devices while consuming little power. Magnetorheological (MR) fluids with regulated rheological properties are used in large-scale MR dampers (MRDs) in structures. Many researchers have improved MRDs in various ways depending on their application. This paper focuses on the experimental study of a designed, developed, and fabricated small-scale MRD to enhance the structure’s performance against seismic/cyclic excitations. The tests were performed in real time, with the input parameters being the excitation frequency, current input to the MRD, and damper piston displacement. The experiment was carried out by specifying three piston displacements (5, 10, and 15 mm) and subjecting them to varying excitation frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 1 Hz. The experimental study’s findings, which include force-displacement, energy dissipation, the relationship between excitation frequency and piston velocity, and total damping force, have been discussed, tabulated, and plotted for easy comprehension. The experimental tests were carried out to check the damper’s performance, which yielded satisfactory results without any damage. Various conclusions have been presented based on findings such as shear-thinning and shear-thickening phenomena during the test. Generally, the developed small-scale MRD exhibits good energy dissipation, an essential criterion for seismic resilience, and can be used as a semiactive vibration control device for building structures in seismicity regions.