Abstract
Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) is a smart material that can change its stiffness depending on the magnetic field. The main objective of this paper is to develop a multi-layered MRE isolator having self-sensing property. The electric resistance of a conductive elastomer can be changed by its deformation. Such an electrical characteristic might be used for measuring oscillatory movement of vibration systems. While the MRE works as a stiffness-variable spring element in the system, the material also works as a sensor. At first, we investigated the electric characteristic of the conductive elastomer by measuring electrical impedance while the elastomer is compressed uniaxially. We found that the impedance magnitude was reduced linearly as the compressive deformation was increased. Second, the vibration isolator was fabricated by laminating thin MREs with uniform thickness. The anti-vibration performance of the isolator was then evaluated. By applying the magnetic field to the laminated MREs through an electromagnetic coil, the resonance frequency of the system was changed as much as 36.75 Hz. Furthermore, we measured the electrical signal while the conductive elastomer was excited sinusoidally. We found that the elastomer could produce the signal that corresponded to the frequency and magnitude of its own deformation.
