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Virginia Tech

Innovative Designs for Magneto-Rheological Dampers

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

Magnetorheological dampers, or as they are more commonly called, MR dampers, are being developed for a wide variety of applications where controllable damping is desired. These applications include dampers for automobiles, heavy trucks, bicycles, prosthetic limbs, gun recoil systems, and possibly others. This thesis first introduces MR technology through a discussion of MR fluid and then by giving a broad overview of MR devices that are being developed. After giving the reader an understanding of MR technology and devices, MR damper basics are presented. This section includes a discussion of MR damper types, mathematical fundamentals, and an approach to magnetic circuit design. With the necessary background information covered, MR dampers for automotive use are then discussed. Specifically, designs for MR dampers that were built for a Mercedes ML-430 and for a Ford Expedition are presented along with their respective test results. These test results are presented and compared with the original equipment hydraulic dampers. After discussing automotive MR dampers, designs for gun recoil applications are presented. Specifically, two different MR damper designs are discussed along with live-fire test results for the first damper. Finally, two hybrid dampers that were based on a modified adjustable hydraulic damper are presented. These hybrid dampers, if pursued further, may develop into controllable replacements for large hydraulic dampers such as those installed on large vehicles and field Howitzers. In conclusion, recommendations are made for materials as well as for seal selection and other design aspects.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Mechanical Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Mechanical Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2001

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Poynor, James Conner
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Ahmadian, Mehdi
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Robertshaw, Harry H.
  • Reinholtz, Charles F.

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-08142001-101447
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/34520

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Poynor, James Conner. Innovative Designs for Magneto-Rheological Dampers. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/34520