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A Low Force Magneto-rheological (MR) Fluid Damper: Design, Fabrication and Characterization

Mechanical Engineering Department University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA

Cahit A. Evrensel

Mechanical Engineering Department University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA, cahit{at}unr.edu

Faramarz Gordaninejad

Mechanical Engineering Department University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA

Alan Fuchs

Chemical Engineering Department University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA

This study focuses on the theoretical analysis, design, fabrication and characterization of a small Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid damper. It can be potentially applied to a horizontal axis, front-loading washing machine. In such washing machines, although washing cycle is slow, spin cycle is much faster. During acceleration from washing cycle to spin cycle, the tub passes through its resonant speed requiring relatively high damping. On the other hand, high damping results in increased force transmission to the housing and noise at high-speed spin cycle. Controllability of the MR fluid damper allows adjustment of damping requirements for different cycles and helps to reduce the noise at high speed spin cycle while limiting the tub motion at resonance. A patented geometry of an MR valve developed by Composite and Intelligent Materials Laboratory at the University of Nevada, Reno is used as the basis of this new design to satisfy the requirements of the application. Fabricated prototype damper is characterized using harmonic displacement input. Test results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions and design values.

Key Words: magnetorheological (MR) fluid • controllable damper • MR damper • washing machine.

Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, Vol. 18, No. 12, 1155-1160 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1045389X07083138


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