Finite Element Magnetic Method for Magnetorheological Based Actuators

Abstract

Magnetorheological materials based actuators have been currently exciting research topic for more than half-decades. Some actuators have been developed based on magnetorheological fluids and elastomers such as dampers, brakes, haptic devices, clutches, mountings, etc. These devices have their exciting properties which are capable of changing characteristic based on the amount of magnetic flux applied to them. Due to this capability, they are usually called semi-active devices. These devices employ an electromagnetic coil for magnetic flux production. Therefore, during the design process, magnetostatic simulation using the finite element method magnetic is carried out to make a better magnetic circuit. This chapter will consider several discussions such as necessary magnetostatic using free software finite element method magnetic (FEMM); design consideration for the magnetic circuit of the device and case studies of several type simulation in magnetorheological materials based devices.