A new magnetorheological fluid-elastomer vibration isolator

In this work the performance of a new design concept utilizing a magnetorheological (MR) fluid-elastomer (MRF-E) is examined. A prototype MRF-E vibration isolator is built and its dynamic behavior is investigated under harmonic motions for a range of frequencies between 0.1Hz to 10.0Hz, under various applied magnetic fields. The experimental results exhibit the effects on the stiffness and the damping capability of the MRF-E vibration isolator is a function of the displacement and magnetic field strength; and weakly dependent on the frequency of motion. It is demonstrates that the new vibration isolator, whose mechanical properties can be controlled by an applied magnetic field, has potential in applications where tuning vibration characteristics are desired.