Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM
Maximizing torque transmission in magnetorheological clutches
Magnetorheological fluids (MRF) consist of magnetizable solid particles in carrier fluid. When applying an external magnetic field the particles become magnetized and form chains along the field lines. As a result, the MRF changes within milliseconds from a liquid to a solid state. This is very useful for targeted industrial applications, for example, clutches, shock absorbers and brakes. At the Fraunhofer IWM, MRF are modeled under real-life operating conditions at the particle level. In this way, a detailed and in-depth understanding of the MRF mechanisms at work is achieved, which allows the properties of the particles to be specifically optimized, in essence tailoring them to the desired application.
