Axial squeeze strengthen effect on rotary magneto-rheological damper

Pressure is an important factor to influence the performance of an magneto-rheological (MR) apparatus. The effect of the axial squeeze strengthen effect on rotary MR damper is investigated theoretically and experimentally in this study. First, a theoretical analysis in a microscopic view is proposed. It indicates that a concentrated increment of iron particle content in the working gap results in the effect. Then, a pressure-controlled rotary MR damper with the axial squeeze strengthen effect is designed, manufactured and tested. The results show that the axial squeeze strengthen effect on rotary MR damper is remarkable for the damper with lower particle content in MR fluids. In addition, there is an optimal pressure to obtain the maximum axial squeeze strengthen effect on the rotary MR damper.