Analysis and Design of Cylindrical Magnetorheological Fluid Brake

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids consist of stable suspensions of magnetic particles in a carrying fluid such as water or silicone oils. The magnetorheological response of MR fluids results from the polarization induced in suspended particles by application of an external magnetic field. The interaction between the induced dipoles causes the particles to form columnar structure, parallel to the applied field. These chain-like structures restrict the motion of fluids, thereby increasing the viscosity and yield stress of the MR fluids. These mechanical characteristics allow for the construction of magnetically controlled device such as the MR fluids rotary brakes. However, there has been little information published about the design of MR fluid brakes. In this paper the design of the cylindrical MR fluid brake is investigated theoretically. Bingham model is used to characterize the constitutive behaviors of the MR fluids subject to an external magnetic field. The operational principle of the cylindrical MR fluid brake is presented. The theoretical method is developed to analyze the transmission properties of the torque of the cylindrical MR fluid brake. An engineering expression for the torque is derived to provide the theoretical foundations in the design of the cylindrical MR fluid brake. Based on this equation the volume and thickness of the annular MR fluids within the brake is expressed as functions of the desired ratio of torques with saturated magnetic field and without external field, the controlled mechanical power and the MR fluid material properties. The parameters of the thickness and width of the fluid in the brake can be calculated from the obtained equations when the required mechanical power level, the desired torque ratio are specified.