Title: The influence of mechanical input amplitude on the dynamic response of an electrorheological fluid in squeeze flow

Authors: A.K. El Wahed, R. Stanway, J.L. Sproston

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK. Department of Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GH, UK

Abstract: An investigation was carried out to determine the effect of mechanical input amplitude on the performance of an electrorheological (ER) fluid in oscillatory squeeze flow. The ER fluid, consisting of a suspension of a semi-conducting compound in a dielectric liquid carrier, was contained in a squeeze cell, which during motion subjects the fluid to both compressive and tensile loading. The ER fluid was excited by a constant DC voltage and its response was assessed for various input mechanical amplitudes. The results were analysed in terms of force-displacement and force-velocity characteristics and showed a great dependence on device inertia, compressibility and on the input displacement provided by the oscillation of the lower electrode. In addition, the performance of the fluid was compared with that predicted by a theoretical model, which assumes a bi-viscous fluid characteristic. This model is optimised when the power-law used to estimate the fluid yield stress is replaced by a quadratic law. Finally, the implications of the results for vibration control, where the ER fluid is employed in an engine mount, are discussed.

Keywords: automotive engine mount; electrorheological fluids; vibration damping; bi-viscous characteristics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2003.003649

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2003 Vol.33 No.1/2/3, pp.153 - 170

Published online: 28 Sep 2003 *

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