Smart composite magnetorheological elastomer materials under coupled effects of temperature and magnetic field for vibration control

Abstract

Magnetorheological Elastomers (MREs) are a class of smart materials composed of an elastomer matrix and micron-sized magnetic particles. Their unique elastic and rheological properties can be changed continuously, rapidly and reversibly responding to the applied magnetic field. MRE's real-time controllable stiffness and damping properties have many advantages and offer wide applications to vibration control in various engineering fields. In order to expand the application of MREs in ship vibration control, a better understanding of MRE dynamic properties is essential. Previous studies about MREs were mainly focused on the influences of external magnetic field, strain amplitude and frequency on the dynamic properties. However, the temperature effect was rarely reported. This thesis is mainly focus on the temperature effect and the coupling effects with other impact factors on the compressive dynamic properties of MREs. The MRE samples used in this project are fabricated with silicone rubber and iron particles. The experimental investigation on the mechanical properties of MREs is carried out with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests. The influence of excitation frequency, strain amplitude, pre-strain, external magnetic field and environment temperature along with their coupling effects on the dynamic properties of MREs are investigated. The static test and the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test are performed as well. A new mathematical model is developed to describe these influence factors. The excellent correlation between the experimental data and modelling results is confirmed by the goodness-of-fit statistical analysis. The generalized dynamic modulus master curve of MREs is constructed for the first time by the horizontal and vertical shift factors. The constructed master curve and shift factors can be used to predict the viscoelastic properties of the MREs beyond the DMA experiment range of magnetic fields, temperatures, strain amplitudes and frequencies. In addition, a prototype of MRE based mount system along with the control strategy is designed, manufactured and tested. The natural frequency shift ability and the performance of the force transmissibility of the designed system under different test conditions are evaluated by experimental and numerical investigations. A series of case studies are carried out to perform the designed device under the different external magnetic fields and the environment temperatures. The results indicate the MRE based device is capable of solving the vibration control problems in marine engineering.

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ORCID for Yeping Xiong: orcid.org/0000-0002-0135-8464

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