Design of a novel magnetorheological transmission device

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a new approach in the design of a novel magnetorheological transmission device (MRTD) that employs electromagnetic coil as a part of the stator. MRTD is a torque transmission device which uses magnetorheological fluid (MR fluid) as the transmission medium. MRTD can provide controllable torque and speed by adjusting the external applied magnetic field. The novel MRTD operates under the combination of shear-squeeze mode of MR fluid, which improves the working performance and reduces the adverse effect of centrifugal force. In this study, modes of operation of MR fluids and design parameters of MRTD were described briefly. Next, the material selection was specified, magnetic circuit was conducted, as well as the theoretical torque of MRTD. Finite element analysis was created solving the total magnetic flux density within the MRTD. A prototype MRTD was fabricated, its transmission characteristics were analysed, which mainly included torque transmission and speed control analysis. The results show that torque increases gradually as the current increases, and torque is linear with respect to the input current. The output speed increases significantly with steps of (0.10 A) increment. With further increase, the MRTD can reach synchronous speed. The MRTD shows excellent performance for various application.