Experimental Investigation of MR Squeeze Mounts

Abstract

Based on results obtained from testing MR fluid in a squeeze mode rheometer, a novel compression-adjustable element has been fabricated and tested, which utilizes MR fluid in the squeeze mode. While shear and valve modes have been used exclusively for MR fluid damping applications, recent modeling and testing with MR fluid has revealed that much larger adjustment ranges are achievable in the squeeze mode. Utilizing the squeeze mode, an MR squeeze mount was developed and tested. Test results show that the device was capable of varying the compression force from less than 8 lb 35.6 N to greater than 800 lb 3560 N, when the pole plates were 0.050 in. 1.3 mm apart. Test results showed that the mount tends to achieve higher forces after each repeat of test. This behavior, called ‘clumping’, was studied and solutions to minimize this effect are discussed.