Shape optimization of magnetorheological damper piston based on parametric curve for damping force augmentation

Abstract

Abstract Making full use of the magnetically controllable rheological properties of magnetorheological (MR) fluid, MR actuators have been applied in many engineering fields. To adapt to different application scenarios, parameters of MR actuators often need to be optimized. Previous MR actuator optimization was focused on finding optimal combinations of geometric dimensions and physical parameters that meet certain requirements. The parts with optimized dimensions were still in regular shape, which might not bring optimal damping performance. Therefore, in this paper, shape optimization of MR damper piston based on parametric curve is performed for the first time. First, the regional magnetic saturation problem in the previous prototype is stated. Then, the MR damper with normal piston is simulated as a reference. Later, Bezier curve, one of the typical parametric curves, is used to form the piston with optimized parameters, and the MR damper with optimized piston is also simulated. Finally, prototypes of the MR dampers with normal and optimized pistons are fabricated and tested. Compared with the MR damper with normal piston, the one with optimized piston has larger field dependent force and total damping force under relatively large current, with about 52% and 24% maximum increasing percentage, respectively. The controllable force range of the MR damper with optimized piston is also larger than that with normal piston.