Development of the Damping Device Using MR Fluid and Application of HV

Abstract

We developed a damping device that used a magneto-rheological (MR) fluid, whose yield stress varies with applied magnetic field intensity. The device consists of two rotating disks with the MR fluid between them. It reduces vibrations by varying the viscosity of the fluid, and thus the moment of inertia of the rotating bodies, by controlling the magnetic field using the current in a stator coil. When this device was applied to the flywheel of a hybrid vehicle, it reduced the energy needed to start the engine, and improved the engine response.