PERFORMANCE COMPARISON OF MR DAMPERS WITH THREE DIFFERENT WORKING MODES: SHEAR, FLOW AND MIXED MODE

Abstract

In this work, three different magneto-rheological(MR) dampers, which are applicable for vibration control of a multi-story structure, are devised and their performance characteristics are compared. As a first step, the schematic configurations of the shear, flow, and mixed mode MR dampers are described with design constraints. The analytical models to predict the field-dependent damping forces are derived for each type and their damping forces are evaluated. The field-dependent damping forces are compared in terms of the damping force magnitude and the mixed-mode type of MR damper is chosen as an optimal candidate for the vibration control of the multi-story structure. An appropriate size of the mixed mode MR damper is manufactured and its field-dependent damping characteristics are evaluated in time domain. In addition, the displacement vs. damping force cycles of the piston are observed at various field intensities.