Magnetorheological Actuators and Dampers

A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825). This special issue belongs to the section "Precision Actuators".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 10059

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Machine and Industrial Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 2, 616 69 Brno, Czech Republic
Interests: smart materials and structures; dampers; actuators; semiactive control; vibration control; transient response; response time; magnetorheological fluid

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, ul. Warszawska 24, 31-155 Krakow, Poland
Interests: magnetorheology; magnetorheological actuators; magnetorheological dampers; vibration control; adaptive control

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Semi-active magnetorheological (MR) actuators and dampers have been commonly used in diverse applications such as vehicular seat suspension, passenger car suspension, engine mount vibration control, medical rehabilitation, robotics, or anti-earthquake structures. However, various factors, namely durability, temperature operating range, weight, cost, etc., have delayed the progress and the commercialization of the technology in certain areas. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on developing novel designs of MR dampers and actuators to meet the most stringent requirements of industrial practice. Therefore, the goal of this Special Issue is to cover the novel designs and applications of semi-active MR dampers and actuators. Theoretical inquiries presenting models capable of predicting the behavior of such devices and preferably supported by experimental studies are also welcome. Finally, the editors would like to invite research studies documenting recent progress in developing dedicated application-oriented MR fluid formulations.

We kindly invite you to submit a manuscript(s) for this Special Issue. Full papers and topical reviews are all welcome.

Dr. Michal Kubík
Dr. Janusz Gołdasz
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • semiactive control
  • magnetorheological damper
  • design
  • modeling
  • magnetorheological fluid
  • damper
  • actuator

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 15595 KiB  
Article
Vehicle Attitude Control of Magnetorheological Semi-Active Suspension Based on Multi-Objective Intelligent Optimization Algorithm
by Kailiang Han, Yiming Hu, Dequan Zeng, Yinquan Yu, Lei Xiao, Jinwen Yang, Weidong Liu and Letian Gao
Actuators 2024, 13(12), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13120466 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 696
Abstract
A multi-objective intelligent optimization algorithm-based attitude control strategy for magnetorheological semi-active suspension is proposed to address the vehicle attitude imbalance generated during steering and braking. Firstly, the mechanical properties of the magnetorheological damper (MRD) are tested, and the parameters in the hyperbolic tangent [...] Read more.
A multi-objective intelligent optimization algorithm-based attitude control strategy for magnetorheological semi-active suspension is proposed to address the vehicle attitude imbalance generated during steering and braking. Firstly, the mechanical properties of the magnetorheological damper (MRD) are tested, and the parameters in the hyperbolic tangent model of the magnetorheological damper are identified through experiments. Secondly, a simulation model of the whole vehicle multi-degree-of-freedom vehicle dynamics including magnetorheological damper is established, and the whole-vehicle Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller is designed. Then, the optimization design model of the joint vehicle controller and vehicle dynamics is established to design the optimization fitness function oriented to the body attitude control performance, and the attitude optimal controller is calculated with the help of multi-objective intelligent optimization algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed control method is able to improve the body roll angle, body pitch angle, and suspension dynamic deflection well on the basis of ensuring no deterioration in other performance indexes, ensuring good attitude control capability of the vehicle and verifying the feasibility of the control strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetorheological Actuators and Dampers)
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18 pages, 8956 KiB  
Article
Development and Experimental Study of a Mixed-Mode Vibration Isolator Using Magnetorheological Elastomer
by Qianjie Liu, Zhirong Guo, Wei Liu, Gang Li, Shengzhi Jin, Lei Yu and Guoliang Hu
Actuators 2024, 13(9), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13090352 - 11 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1012
Abstract
This paper proposes a mixed-mode (combining shear and squeeze working modes) vibration isolator using magnetorheological elastomer (MRE), which enables the isolator to have a larger working area and better isolation performance by combining the working modes of the MRE. Firstly, based on the [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a mixed-mode (combining shear and squeeze working modes) vibration isolator using magnetorheological elastomer (MRE), which enables the isolator to have a larger working area and better isolation performance by combining the working modes of the MRE. Firstly, based on the magnetorheological effect working principle of the MRE, the material selection and dimensional parameters of each component are determined through structural design and magnetic circuit calculation. On this basis, magnetic field simulation is conducted using Maxwell 16.0 software to analyze the distribution of magnetic field lines and magnetic induction in the working area. Simultaneously, equivalent stiffness and equivalent damping models are established to explore the variation of vibration response with external current and excitation frequency conditions. Finally, a vibration isolation experimental platform is built to test the mixed-mode MRE isolator. The experimental results are basically consistent with the simulation modeling results. The experimental results showed that when the external excitation is in the frequency range of 16 Hz, effective semi-active vibration isolation control could be achieved by applying different current inputs. The isolation effect of the system is difficult to effectively control using current input when the external excitation is at high frequency. These results validate the rationality and feasibility of the mixed-mode MRE isolator structure, which provides a good reference for the design of MRE isolators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetorheological Actuators and Dampers)
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24 pages, 29360 KiB  
Article
Frequency-Dependent Bouc–Wen Modeling of Magnetorheological Damper Using Harmonic Balance Approach
by Ruijing Qian, Guoping Wang, Min Jiang, Yanni Zhang, Rongjie Zhai and Wenjie Wang
Actuators 2024, 13(8), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13080297 - 6 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1486
Abstract
Magnetorheological dampers (MRDs) are of great interest in engineering due to their continuously adjustable damping characteristics. Accurate models are essential for optimizing MRDs and analyzing system dynamics. However, conventional methods widely overlook the impact of excitation frequency and amplitude. To address this issue, [...] Read more.
Magnetorheological dampers (MRDs) are of great interest in engineering due to their continuously adjustable damping characteristics. Accurate models are essential for optimizing MRDs and analyzing system dynamics. However, conventional methods widely overlook the impact of excitation frequency and amplitude. To address this issue, this work proposes a modified Bouc–Wen model that can be adapted to various excitation conditions. The model’s parameters depend on the current, excitation frequency, and amplitude. The mechanical characteristics of the MRD were analyzed by the tests. The parameters in the Bouc–Wen model were identified by combining the harmonic balance method and the genetic algorithm. The modified Bouc–Wen model was established by analyzing the variation of each parameter with current, excitation frequency, and amplitude. Finally, the agreement between the modified prediction model and the test results was verified under sinusoidal excitation of 80 mm and 1 Hz. The average relative errors were 3.87%, 2.82%, 2.45%, 2.19%, and 3.27% for current excitations of 0 A, 0.5 A, 1 A, 1.5 A, and 2.0 A, respectively. Since the MRD in this paper operates from 0.5 Hz to 2 Hz, the modified model was validated in the same range. Experiments demonstrate that the modified Bouc–Wen model efficiently and accurately describes the mechanical properties of the MRD under various excitation conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetorheological Actuators and Dampers)
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20 pages, 6319 KiB  
Article
The Actuating Characteristics of Magnetorheological Fluids Subjected to Particle Sedimentation and Temperature Variation
by Elliza Tri Maharani, Dong-Hoon Lee, Young-Jun Kim, Jong-Seok Oh and Seung-Bok Choi
Actuators 2024, 13(8), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13080277 - 24 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1619
Abstract
Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are known for their controllable characteristics under the influence of magnetic fields and, hence, widely used as semi-active actuators for vibration control. Regardless of advantages such as fast response time and reversible property, MR fluids inevitably experience sedimentation caused by [...] Read more.
Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are known for their controllable characteristics under the influence of magnetic fields and, hence, widely used as semi-active actuators for vibration control. Regardless of advantages such as fast response time and reversible property, MR fluids inevitably experience sedimentation caused by significant density mismatches between magnetic particles and carrier liquids. Moreover, the effect of the temperature on actuating characteristics is also one of the problems to be resolved for practical implementation. This study experimentally investigates the sedimentation behavior under various temperatures ranging from 25 to 70 °C using a multiguide-arm magnetic device that generates a uniform magnetic flux density across MR fluids. The sedimentation stability is then observed after 168 h at current inputs of 0, 1, and 2 A, respectively. Subsequently, the field-dependent rheological properties of MR fluids are evaluated using a rheometer and discussed, showing actuating capability, which depends on the viscosity, shear stress, and yield stress before (initial state) and after the sedimentation (sedimentation state). The field-dependent yield stresses, which directly represent the actuating force of the semi-active actuator, are specifically evaluated. Under the on-state condition (2 A) at a temperature of 70 °C, the yield stress decreased from 2.747 kPa (initial state) to 2.352 kPa (sedimentation state). By using this yield stress, the field-dependent damping force was evaluated, showing a decrement from 1672 N (initial state) to 1623 N (sedimentation state) at a velocity of 0.8 m/s. It is shown that the temperature causes the reduction of the actuating properties after the long-term operation. The insightful findings achieved in this work will provide useful information for the evaluation of actuating characteristics of smart MR fluids and the design of MR application systems subjected to particle sedimentation and temperature variation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetorheological Actuators and Dampers)
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21 pages, 7946 KiB  
Article
Design, Modeling, and Vibration Control of a Damper Based on Magnetorheological Fluid and Elastomer
by Zhuang Jin, Fufeng Yang, Xiaoting Rui, Min Jiang and Jiaqi Wang
Actuators 2024, 13(7), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13070241 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2370
Abstract
The aim of this study is to propose a damper based on magnetorheological (MR) fluid and elastomer for application in vehicle engine mounting systems to dissipate the vibration energy transferred from the engine to the vehicle body. The magnetic circuit structure of the [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to propose a damper based on magnetorheological (MR) fluid and elastomer for application in vehicle engine mounting systems to dissipate the vibration energy transferred from the engine to the vehicle body. The magnetic circuit structure of the damper has been precisely designed, and its reasonableness has been verified by static magnetic field simulation. After the principle prototype’s completion, the damper’s mechanical properties are tested by an electro–hydraulic servo fatigue machine. The results show that with the current increase, the damper’s in-phase stiffness increases by 20.6%. The equivalent damping improves by 81.6%, which indicates that the damper has a good MR effect. A new phenomenological model is proposed, and a genetic algorithm is used to identify the parameters of the model. Finally, a 1/4 vehicle engine vibration damping system model is established and a dynamics simulation is carried out. The simulation results show that the damper effectively reduces the vibration transmitted from the engine to the body, and the vibration-damping effect is even more obvious through sky-hook control. This proves that the damper proposed in this study has good vibration-damping performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetorheological Actuators and Dampers)
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14 pages, 7208 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Dynamic Range of Magnetorheological Gradient Pinch-Mode Prototype Valves
by Jiří Žáček, Janusz Goldasz, Bogdan Sapinski, Michal Sedlačík, Zbyněk Strecker and Michal Kubík
Actuators 2023, 12(12), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12120449 - 4 Dec 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1924
Abstract
Magnetorheological (MR) fluids have been known to react to magnetic fields of sufficient magnitudes. While in the presence of the field, the material develops a yield stress. The tunable property has made it attractive in, e.g., semi-active damper applications in the vibration control [...] Read more.
Magnetorheological (MR) fluids have been known to react to magnetic fields of sufficient magnitudes. While in the presence of the field, the material develops a yield stress. The tunable property has made it attractive in, e.g., semi-active damper applications in the vibration control domain in particular. Within the context of a given application, MR fluids can be exploited in at least one of the fundamental operating modes (flow, shear, squeeze, or gradient pinch mode) of which the gradient pinch mode has been the least explored. Contrary to the other operating modes, the MR fluid volume in the flow channel is exposed to a non-uniform magnetic field in such a way that a Venturi-like contraction is developed in a flow channel solely by means of a solidified material in the regions near the walls rather than the mechanically driven changes in the channel’s geometry. The pinch-mode rheology of the material has made it a potential candidate for developing a new category of MR valves. By convention, a pinch-mode valve features a single flow channel with poles over which a non-uniform magnetic field is induced. In this study, the authors examine ways of extending the dynamic range of pinch-mode valves by employing a number of such arrangements (stages) in series. To accomplish this, the authors developed a prototype of a multi-stage (three-stage) valve, and then compared its performance against that of a single-stage valve across a wide range of hydraulic and magnetic stimuli. To summarize, improvements of the pinch-mode valve dynamic range are evident; however, at the same time, it is hampered by the presence of serial air gaps in the flow channel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Magnetorheological Actuators and Dampers)
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