Numerical Calculation Model for MR Fluid Behavior in Magnetic Field

Abstract

Recently, Magnetorheological (MR) fluids have been attracting attention as a type of functional fluid. MR fluids have the property that the ferromagnetic particles form chain-like clusters and change their viscosity significantly in response to the applied magnetic field strength. MR fluids are expected to be applied to vibration control systems such as dampers, clutches, brakes and so on because of their ability to change viscosity electrically, reversibly, and continuously on the order of milliseconds. However, the mechanism is complex, and experimental approaches are the most common, requiring a large number of experiments on actual equipment. Therefore, it is expected to analyze the behavior of magnetic particles inside the fluids by numerical simulation and clarify their dynamic characteristics for determining the optimal parameters for application to actual equipment. In this study, we propose a numerical analysis method that couples the particle method and the magnetic moment method, focusing on the change in shear stress due to the magnetic field in MR fluids. Also, we evaluate the effects of magnetic particle density and external magnetic field strength on the cluster formation speed and particle behavior.

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