Magnetorheological fluid composites synthesized for helicopter landing gear applications

Abstract

Magnetorheological fluid composites were formulated in this study to investigate their performance for potential use in landing gear hydraulic systems, such as shock struts. The magnetorheological fluids synthesized here utilized three hydraulic oils certified for use in landing gear, two average diameters of spherical magnetic particles, and a lecithin surfactant. The magnetorheology of these fluids was characterized, including (a) magnetorheology (yield stress and viscosity) as a function of magnetic field, (b) sedimentation analysis using an inductance-based sensor, (c) cycling of a small-scale magnetorheological damper undergoing sinusoidal excitations at frequencies of 2.5 and 5 Hz, and (d) impact testing of an magnetorheological damper for a range of magnetic field strengths and velocities using a free-flight drop tower facility. The goal of this research is to analyze the performance of these magnetorheological fluid composites, compare their behavior to standard commercial magnetorheological fluid, and determine their feasibility for use in helicopter landing gear.