Date of Award
12-1994
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Department
Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. R. Hathaway
Second Advisor
Dr. P. Merati
Third Advisor
Dr. D. VandenBrink
Fourth Advisor
Dr. M. McCarville
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to investigate and overcome the limitations of Electrorheological (ER) fluids and to introduce this advanced technology at WMU. Electrorheological (ER) Fluids are a special class of fluids, which exhibit a reversible, infinitely variable phase transition from a liquid to a solid/semi-plastic state, in the presence of an electric field.
ER fluids can provide a unique solution to the problems of vibration isolation of systems. The applications are currently limited due to the high voltage requirements, electric power related heating and limited research into wear/abrasive characteristics of ER fluids.
A specially designed and constructed "electro-viscosimeter" and power source, were employed to determine the optimal electric signal, reduce the power input and the resulting fluid temperatures of ER fluid components. The research should prove invaluable in the advancement of the current applications of ER fluids. It should also lead to introduction of innovative applications of ER fluids.
Recommended Citation
Dalal, Adil F., "An Investigation and Improvement of Electrorheological (ER) Fluid Technology" (1994). Masters Theses. 4276.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4276