A GENERALISED PRESENTATION OF VALVE AND CLUTCH DATA FOR AN ER FLUID, AND PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE PREDICTION METHODOLOGY

Abstract

In previous papers a technique for comparing the performance of a particular electrorheological (ER) fluid in different situations was derived from steady, laminar, shear and flow mode experimental data and static cell tests. By plotting non-dimensional Hedström Number (He) and Friction Coefficient (Cf) against Reynolds Number (Re) via use of the Bingham plastic constitutive equation, one continuous and overlapping relationship was shown for constant field excitation over a range of operating conditions and geometries. In the present work the same treatment is extended to a different fluid, of higher solid volume fraction and different constituents, which was tested on different instruments at a different uniform temperature, so as to attest the generality of the technique. In doing this the methodology of converting low shear rate Couette viscometer data to practical flow valve performance predictions is illustrated.