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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The purpose of this project proposal is to model the damping in magnetorheological (MR) fluid dampers using transient magnetic fields. When MR fluid dampers are used in engineering systems, they are typically accompanied by a constant magnetic field during the system’s operation. There are interactions between the friction force provided by the fluid and inertial forces from the beam, however, that makes the system “freeze” in place, not allowing the system to damp out to its equilibrium position. By changing the magnetic field strength, which changes the fluid’s apparent viscosity and damping characteristics, the force interactions are affected such that the beam can continue to vibrate. This project, therefore, will analyze these transient magnetic fields and how the change, and ultimately, maximize the damping in engineering systems.
This project will analyze the transient magnetic field characteristics on a sandwich beam with an MR fluid core through three steps. The first step is to complete a numerical analysis using the finite element method, while the second step consists of running an experiment to measure the damping. The results from these two sections will be compared. The third and final section is dedicated to designing a controller that will maximize the beam’s damping by changing the electromagnets’ magnetic field strength, which are part of the constructed beam in the experimental analysis.
This project meets the criteria for Technology Roadmap 12.2.5.7, “Integrated Adaptive”. This project will focus on active vibration control, and can be integrated into engineering systems, instead of using external dampers that can increase an aerospace vehicle’s mass or volume. The extra mass and volume saved by using integrated MR fluid dampers can reduce mission costs or allow space for other essentials like fuel and equipment.
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