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Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 4:30 PM

Tunable Energy Management Using Magnetorheological Fluids

O. Vazquez, F3 Engineering, Paterson, NJ; N. M. Wereley, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD; L. (. Ahure, University of Maryland, College Park, MD

2008 AEROMAT Conference
Rotorcraft M&P program
Presentation Abstract

 Tunable Energy Management Using Magnetorheological Fluids

 Odilo Vazquez, CTO
F3 Engineering

 Amy Ahure, Norman M. Wereley
Dept. of Aerospace Engineering, University of Maryland College Park

 F3 Engineering develops application-specific systems using magnetorheological fluid (MRF) technology for mitigating the effects of shock and vibration.  The F3 systems are typically used to protect personnel and equipment in mission-critical situations and are able to manage the forces even under conditions when both shock and vibration occur simultaneously.  The system responds in “real-time” without input from an operator.  Typical response times are less than one millisecond.
The MRF, a type of “smart” fluid, is comprised of micrometer-sized ferrous particles suspended in a carrier fluid.   When subjected to a magnetic field, the particles orient in such a way as to change the rheological properties of the fluid.  The system has the capability of controlling the yield stress of the fluid by modulating the field intensity.  The resultant effect is that the force transmitted by the fluid can be controlled precisely by the electromagnetic field.

The F3 MRF “tunable” energy-management system includes custom modules:

F3 has successfully demonstrated the practicality of this technology in the development of an engine mount for the US Navy’s carrier-based E2C Hawkeye aircraft and the development of a steering damper for high-performance motorcycles.  Throughout the design and development stages, F3 continually monitors risk factors using the DoD matrix.
 

Summary: F3 Engineering develops application-specific systems using magnetorheological fluid (MRF) technology for mitigating the effects of shock and vibration. The F3 systems are typically used to protect personnel and equipment in mission-critical situations and are able to manage the forces even under conditions when both shock and vibration occur simultaneously. The system responds in “real-time” without input from an operator. Typical response times are less than one millisecond.