Abstract
In this research, an MR brake using magneto-rheological (MR) fluid has been developed to be applied to an induction motor as a high-performance braking device, instead of conventional electromagnetic mechanical brakes. The conventional brakes have some problems such as the fall of braking performance and the generation of acoustic noise in long time use. These problems will be resolved by using the MR brake. There are two types of motor brakes. Excitation-operation type MR brake has the advantage that the braking torque can be changed in proportional to the applied electric current, but the electric power consumption for holding the motor for a long time increases. Therefore, non-excitation-operation type MR brake that has a holding function in the state of non-excitation has been developed in this study. The characteristics of the generated torque, temperature, and braking performances of the developed non-excitation-operation type brake utilizing MR fluid have been investigated to examine the feasibility to apply it as an induction motor braking device.
