Analysis of the magnetomechanical behavior of MRFs based on micromechanics incorporating a statistical approach

A micro–macro model is formulated for the magnetomechanical behavior of magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) based on micromechanics and a statistical approach. It includes two stages: (1) the analysis of the aggregation of the particles in an MRF into chains of dipoles aligning in the direction of the applied magnetic field and its contribution to resistance against shear deformation, and (2) the attainment of solid-like mechanical properties of the MRF by assuming numerous chains inclining with the angles arranged in a normal distribution. This model takes into account the effect of each of the main influencing factors, such as the intensity of magnetic induction, the size and the volume fraction of particles, shear strain rate and saturation magnetization, etc, on the critical shear stress of MRFs. The effect of typical governing parameters on the behavior of MRFs is investigated individually, which shows the capability of the proposed model in the description of the magnetorheological behavior of MRFs. The common Bingham's model of viscoplasticity and the dual-viscosity model can be obtained from the proposed model as special cases. The model is comprehensive, simple, and can easily be used for the initial design and optimization of high-performance MRFs.