Performance Prediction and Design Selection of Modular Magnetorheological Valve Using Meandering Flow Path Structure

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of the dimension variations on modular magnetorheological (MR) valve with meandering flow path structure. The size variations including the inner and outer radius of the valve at radial path. The first step is conducting FEMM (Finite Element Method Magnetics) to find out the density of magnetic flux on MR valve. The obtained magnetic field density is applied to steady state models to predict pressure drop. To determine the best configuration, pressure drop and operation range are the objective of the selection process. Based on the results, MR valve with 2.75 mm inner radius radial and 9 mm outer radius radial was chosen as the best MR valve design if compared to the other MR valve designs. The results obtained from the MR valve with 2.75 mm inner radius radial and 9 mm outer radius radial are 1.79 Mpa for the pressure drop and 6.68 for the operational range. Keywords: modular magnetorheological valve, optimization, objective function, smart materials