Magneto-sensitive elastomers-theory and applications

Magneto-sensitive elastomers consist of irregularly shaped, magnetically polarizable iron particles embedded in a rubber matrix, that instantly and reversibly alter their mechanical properties under the influence of an external magnetic field. A non-linear constitutive model, the stress depending upon the frequency, magnetic field strength, dynamic strain amplitude and static prestrain, is presented and experimentally verified. Finally, magneto-sensitive elastomers applied in a vibration isolation system are experimentally investigated with a focus on the energy flow transmitted into the receiving structure. The paper covers magneto-sensitive elastomer modeling, experiments and applications.