Flow characteristics of ER fluid in the model damper

Abstract

A basic study of a gap flow in a closed piston – cylinder system of ER fluid was carried out. The purpose of this study is to elucidate flow behavior of ER fluid in the piston – cylinder system. The electric field is applied between inner wall of the cylinder and outer wall of the piston, and the pressure difference between upper and lower chamber of the cylinder is measured. Theoretical formula of pressure difference is obtained by the one-dimensional assumption of the flow in the gap of cylinder. Furthermore, simulation code is developed in the present study based on the finite volume method(FVM). In comparison with the theoretical and experimental results, it is revealed that a larger difference occurs for a smaller aspect ratio of the piston. The numerical results showed a good agreement with the experimental data.