Behavior of an electrorheological chain under squeeze flow

Abstract

Analysis of the load versus separation concerning electrorheological fluids between electrodes with application of a constant potential difference in squeeze mode was performed. From the result of the simulation, it was found that there are three forms as follows: an approaching state in which an upper electrode approaches its adjacent particle, compressive deformation of the particles, and buckling deformation and rupture of chain formation while the electrode approaches the outermost particle. From a comparison of the simulation result with the experimental result, the experimental result and simulation result are similar in form to each other. The array of the chain between the electrodes, just after the electric field is applied, although the load is not applied on the electrode, is composed of a group of strung-close particles and the electrodes that are out of contact with respect to the neighboring particles; after the load is applied, the spacing between the electrode and the particle becomes narrow, and the chain collapses due to buckling without each touching the other.