Simulation and experimental evaluation of a vane-type magnetorheological damper based on multi-physics field coupling

Abstract

This work aims to accurately evaluate the nonlinear behaviors of the vane-type magnetorheological (MR) damper through multi-physics field coupling analysis. The working principle of the vane-type MR damper is introduced, and the output torsion model is derived. Considering that the performance of the MR damper is affected by the coupling of electromagnetic field, flow field, thermal field, and solid mechanics, the finite element software COMSOL is used to simulate the multi-physics field inside the MR damper. Correspondingly, the mechanical performance testing of the MR damper is carried out on the torsional electro-hydraulic servo fatigue testing machine. The test results show that the MR damper can reach a maximum output torsion of 7130 N·m and achieves a high torsion-volume ratio of 4.19 × 10⁷ N·m⁻², which proves that it has good mechanical properties as well as the ability to satisfy high torsional requirements in relatively limited space. Finally, a comparative analysis between the simulation and experimental curves is carried out, and it is concluded that the multi-physics field coupling analysis can accurately simulate the mechanical performance and working state of the vane-type MR damper.