Modeling and simulation of a multi-pole multi-layer magnetorheological brake

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Wu, Jie^a; | Hu, Hong^a | Liang, Jian^a

Affiliations: [a] School of Mechanical Engineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, China

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Jie Wu, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China. Tel.: +86 02887729082; Fax: +86 02887729082; E-mail: jiewu09323@mail.xhu.edu.cn

Abstract: This paper investigates the magnetic circuit model of a multi-pole multi-layer magnetorheological (MR) brake. Firstly, a simple introduction to the structure is given. This MR brake has a unique structure design with several MR fluid working gaps set between two-layer coils. Then, magnetic circuit model is conducted to theoretically approximate the effects of the design parameters on the magnetic field strength within the MR fluids. According to the magnetic circuit analysis, a parametric study is performed to optimize the critical design parameters of the magnetic circuit of the designed brake. Finally, the magnetic circuit model is validated based on the optimized structure and simulation. Simulation results indicate that the magnetic circuit model is feasible to estimate the magnetic field strength in the working gaps, and it can be used to guide the parameters optimization and structure design.

Keywords: Magnetorheological (MR) brake, magnetic circuit, modeling, finite element analysis, optimization

DOI: 10.3233/JAE-190025

Journal: International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics, vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 243-266, 2020