Magnetorheological Device Development and Testing: Student Projects Augmenting Research

Journal of Engineering Technology, Spring 2004 by Vavreck, Andrew N

Two additional student projects are being developed: data collection and modeling for characterization of a MR brake with backlash and, in a collaboration between the Engineering and Science departments, the conceptual design of a MR fluid using nanostructures.

Future MR fluid projects include a dynamic vibration absorber that uses an electromagnet to vary the secondary mass. Activating the magnetic field would potentially entrain MR fluid against the secondary mass, allowing real-time adjustment of the absorber tuning. In addition, the damping clement could be a MR damper, allowing even greater control over the absorber response.9 Exploratory work has already been accomplished on this project. Vehicular applications in the area of adaptive suspensions are also planned. This endeavor merges capstone design projects with the annual campus entry in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Mini BaJa competition.

Finally, the EMET department plans to expand the scope of MR fluid applications to include other adaptive-passive technologies such as shape-memory alloys, pie/,oelectrics, ER fluids, and magnetostrictive materials. The broad skill set of EMET students, including mechanical and electrical systems, controls, materials and manufacturing, is remarkably well suited to the technologies involved with smart materials, and the interesting behavior of these materials offers a new and exciting venue beyond the MR student projects completed so far.

Conclusion

MR fluids are interesting new additions to mechanical devices that use adaptive-passive materials. They are finding a wide range of electromechanical applications in vibration control, mechanical couplings, and other areas, and as such are of interest to the technology student. Since 1997, twenty EMET students at Penn State Altoona have undertaken design projects involving MR fluids and devices, mainly within their capstone design course. Typically, students are intrigued when they learn about the interesting properties of this material, then become strongly engaged in their MR design projects because they can apply a broad spectrum of their undergraduate skills-in materials, sensors, actuators, controls, instrumentation, manufacturing, project management, and design-to real-world applications. Faculty gain expertise in a variety of new industrial devices, design, and modeling techniques. Because MR fluids have so many different uses, faculty can use them to help students improve their design abilities by contrasting and comparing various design applications and choices. Faculty are also developing a much greater understanding of the field of smart materials and its potential for ET programs. Based upon this growing knowledge and buoyed by the initial successes of student projects in MR fluid applications, Penn State Altoona faculty are exploring the possibility of developing a minor or special emphasis in smart materials within the EMET program. MR fluids and devices also may interest faculty in the ET community at large, who may find adaptive-passive materials to be well worth exploring for design projects, in research, and as aids to teach aspects of controls, fluid mechanics, and materials science.