Controllable-stiffness components based on magnetorheological elastomers

John M. Ginder; Mark E. Nichols; Larry D. Elie; Seamus M. Clark

doi:10.1117/12.388844

22 June 2000 Controllable-stiffness components based on magnetorheological elastomers

John M. Ginder, Mark E. Nichols, Larry D. Elie, Seamus M. Clark

Proceedings Volume 3985, Smart Structures and Materials 2000: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.388844
Event: SPIE's 7th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 2000, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

So-called magnetorheological (MR) elastomers, comprising rubbery polymers loaded with magnetizable particles that are aligned in a magnetic field, possess dynamic stiffness and damping that can subsequently be controlled by applied fields. Tunable automotive bushings and mounts incorporating these materials and an embedded magnetic field source have been constructed. In this article, the response of these components to dynamic mechanical loading is described. They behave essentially as elastomeric springs with stiffness and damping that is increased by tens of percent with an applied electrical current. Their time of response to a change in current is less than ten milliseconds. In addition to a tunable spring or force generator, these components may also serve as deflection sensors.

Citation Download Citation

John M. Ginder, Mark E. Nichols, Larry D. Elie, and Seamus M. Clark "Controllable-stiffness components based on magnetorheological elastomers", Proc. SPIE 3985, Smart Structures and Materials 2000: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems, (22 June 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.388844

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