Magneto-Rheological (MR) Devices

MR elastomers can undergo a 60% change in stiffness in under a millisecond. As the magnetic field strength increases, the MR elastomer's storage and loss modulus increases. The rheological change is entirely reversible. MR elastomers are suitable in controllable or tunable shock and vibration isolators such as engine mounts, vehicle bushings, sensitive equipment mounts and snubbers. A simple electromagnet provides the means to vary the magnetic field strength for a particular MRE device. A MRE device is entirely fail-safe where in the event of an electrical system failure the isolator will retain a passive elastomeric performance.

MR fluid can change from light viscosity oil to a semi-solid within a few milliseconds in the presence of a magnetic field. As the magnetic field strength increases, the MR fluid's apparent viscosity increases. The rheological change is entirely reversible. MR fluid is an ideal working fluid within controllable dampers and hydraulic circuits with flow controlling by-pass valves. A simple electromagnet provides the means to vary the magnetic field strength fro a particular MRF device. There are no mechanical valves, pumps, or moving parts required.