Investigation on Magnetorheological Effect of Novel Self-healing Magnetorheological Elastomers

Magnetorheological elastomers(MREs)hold significant promise in various fields such as automotive engineering,and civil engineering,where they serve as intelligent materials.Depending on the application of an external magnetic field,these materials exhibit varying magnetorheological and viscoelastic properties,including shear stress,yield stress,dynamic moduli,and damping.In this work,a new type of MRE,termed self-healing MREs(SH-MREs),has been developed by adding a novel self-healing agent into existing MREs.The dynamic modulus and loss factor of SH-MREs with different compositions have been characterized under various conditions of frequency,temperature,and strain.The results show that as the strain value increases,the loss factor also increases.Moreover,the loss factor initially increases and then decreases with increasing magnetic field strength.Although higher concentrations of ferromagnetic particles increase the loss factor,they enhance the operational range due to their better responsiveness to magnetic fields.SH-MREs demonstrate improved damping capabilities,attributed to the formation of coordination bonds between ferromagnetic particles and the self-healing agent.The stable structure increases the viscosity of MREs.The results of the regression model suggest a direct proportionality between sensitivity to the magnetic field and the ferromagnetic particle concentration.

MRE耗能阻尼器力学性能及半主动控制分析

根据磁流变弹性体(magnetorheological elastomer,简称MRE)的可调力学特性提出了基于MRE的新型耗能阻尼器,并对制备完成的硅橡胶基磁流变弹性体及阻尼器分别进行力学性能试验。利用Matlab/Simulink对各层均装有MRE阻尼器的7层框架结构进行建模仿真分析,将被动控制与基于半主动控制策略的经典最优控制和序列最优控制进行比较。力学测试结果表明:MRE在0~500 mT磁感应强度下其剪切模量变化值达到132.43 kPa,磁流变效应约提高274%;增大加载幅值和加载速率,均能提高MRE阻尼器的力学性能;对阻尼器施加电流激励,在0~10 A增大过程中其等效刚度和阻尼可以实现连续可调。仿真结果表明:基于MRE阻尼器的半主动控制系统可以有效减小结构在地震作用下的响应,3种控制均能对结构动力响应起到良好的控制效果,其中序列最优控制算法的控制效果最为显著且精确度更高;系统在实际测试中需考虑多方面因素影响,尽可能减小误差。

高竖向承载力MRE支座的试验和力学模型研究

磁流变弹性体(magneto-rheological elastomer,MRE)隔震支座竖向承载力低,竖向荷载对支座力学性能影响显著,限制了MRE支座的工程应用。通过增设竖向连杆承担竖向荷载,永磁铁提供恒定磁场,研发了MRE片与钢板交替叠合、剪切刚度双向可调的隔震支座。采用有限元方法分析了MRE片厚度、永磁铁厚度和永磁铁放置位置等对支座磁路的影响,设计制作了芯体直径为60 mm,由26片MRE和25片钢板组成的MRE叠层隔震支座。开展了不同频率、振幅、电流大小和配重下支座力学性能试验,基于试验结果,采用粒子群算法对支座的Bouc-Wen模型进行参数识别,建立了支座的Bouc-Wen模型。结果表明,所设计的MRE支座竖向承载力高,力学性能稳定,Bouc-Wen模型可以准确地描述支座的滞回特性,拟合数据与试验结果吻合较好。

大部件装配中的MRE被动柔顺装置研究

随着我国航天制造领域智能化要求的不断提升,利用工业机器人实现大部件的柔顺辅助装配对实现航天器的智能制造具有重要意义。然而在进行大部件的高精度装配时,机器人易受限于本体性能而难以弥补物理上的机械设计误差。据此,基于磁流变弹性体(Magnetorheological Elastomer,MRE)设计了一种可变刚度的被动柔顺装置置于机器人末端,并对其进行了仿真及实验测试,结果表明,升高通入电流可提高装置刚度,且装置在1 A电流差下的位移差约为20%,适配柔顺辅助装配的不同过程。

基于MRG/CNT复合材料的磁电阻效应研究

通过在磁流变胶泥(MRG)中加入碳纳米管(CNT)组成复合材料,结合MRG的优良磁响应特性与CNT的电导特性,以复合材料作为填充材料设计实验敏感元件,建立实验表征系统对复合材料磁电阻效应的静态与动态特性开展了实验研究,并从微观层面分析了磁电阻效应机理,揭示了激励磁场影响复合材料电阻的关键因素。结果表明:复合材料处在磁工作区范围内,敏感元件的电阻值随磁场的增强而衰减,相对变化量达到了62.2%,同时表现出良好的时间稳定性;实验的动态响应输出与激励磁场的变化趋势高度一致,证明了复合材料具有良好的动态磁电阻响应特性。

Seismic control of multi-degrees-of-freedom structures by vertical mass isolation method using MR dampers

Vertical mass isolation(VMI)is one of the novel methods for the seismic control of structures.In this method,the entire structure is assumed to consist of two mass and stiffness subsystems,and an isolated layer is located among them.In this study,the magnetorheological damper in three modes:passive-off,passive-on,and semi-active mode with variable voltage between zero and 9 volts was used as an isolated layer between two subsystems.Multi-degrees-of-freedom structures with 5,10,and 15 floors in two dimensions were examined under 11 pairs of near field earthquakes.On each level,the displacement of MR dampers was taken into account.The responses of maximum displacement,maximum inter-story drift,and maximum base shear in controlled and uncontrolled buildings were compared to assess the suggested approach for seismic control of the structures.According to the results,the semi-active control method can reduce the response by more than 12%compared to the uncontrolled mode in terms of maximum displacement of the mass subsystem of the structures.This method can reduce more than 16%and 20%of the responses compared to the uncontrolled mode in terms of maximum inter-story drift and base shear of the structure,respectively.

Interfacial friction effects on sealing performances of elastomer packer

Elastomer sealing performance is of critical importance for downhole tools application including the use of fracturing(Frac)plugs during multi-stage hydraulic fracking.In practice sealing performances of such plugs are normally evaluated through pressure tests,and in numerical simulation studies,maximum contact stress,average contact stress and contact length data are used to determine sealing quality between a packer and casing.In previous studies,the impact of friction forces on sealing performance is often overlooked.This work aims to fill this knowledge gap in determining the influence of friction forces on elastomer packer sealing performances.We first determined the most appropriate constitutive hyperelastic model for the elastomers used in frac plug.Then we compared analytical calculation results with Finite Element Analysis simulation using a simplified tubular geometry and showed the significant influences on interfacial friction on elastomer packer stress distribution,deformation,and contact stress after setting.With the demonstration of validity of FEA method,we conducted systematic numerical simulation studies to show how the interfacial friction coefficients can affect the maximum contact stress,average contact stress,contact stress distribution,and maximum mises stress for an actual packer used in plug products.In addition,we also demonstrated how the groove in a packer can affect packer deformation and evolvement during setting with the consideration of interfacial stress.This study underscores the critical role that friction forces play in Frac plug performance and provides a new dimension for optimizing packer design by controlling interfacial interactions at the packer contact surfaces.

Bioremediation Potential of the Macroalga Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta) for Ammonium Removal in Elastomer Industry Wastewater

During the production of nitrile rubber, significant amounts of nitrogen in the form of ammonium are generated in the wastewater. The discharge of this high-nitrogen wastewater can lead to serious environmental issues, including eutrophication, disruption of aquatic ecosystems, and groundwater contamination. To mitigate these impacts, this research explored the bioremediation capabilities of the macroalgae Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta) for removing nitrogen from nitrile rubber production wastewater. The study employed single-phase and Michaelis-Menten decay models based on ammonium consumption, using various dilutions of wastewater to identify the optimal concentration for treatment. The physiological state of the macroalgae was monitored by measuring the photosynthetic capacity and specific growth rate during the experiments. In the presence of U. lactuca, ammonium concentrations decreased in all treatment groups, confirming that the ammonium kinetics conformed to both applied models. Our results show that U. lactuca effectively reduces ammonium concentrations, with an approximate removal rate of 0.020 µM·g−1·min−1 across different wastewater concentrations (70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%). Notably, the treatments with 70%, 80%, and 90% wastewater strength achieved about 67% reduction in ammonium, demonstrating the alga’s capacity to treat high-nitrogen wastewater. The photosynthetic performance of U. lactuca initially declined in control conditions but stabilized across all treatments, highlighting its adaptability. The kinetic analysis using the Michaelis-Menten model indicated a Vmax of 1342 μM·g−1·DMh−1, suggesting a robust capacity for ammonium uptake when fully saturated. Our study underscores the potential of Ulva lactuca as a cost-effective and efficient agent for wastewater bioremediation, particularly in settings with high nitrogen loads.

Stability analysis of a liquid crystal elastomer self-oscillator under a linear temperature field

Self-oscillating systems abound in the natural world and offer substantial potential for applications in controllers,micro-motors,medical equipments,and so on.Currently,numerical methods have been widely utilized for obtaining the characteristics of self-oscillation including amplitude and frequency.However,numerical methods are burdened by intricate computations and limited precision,hindering comprehensive investigations into self-oscillating systems.In this paper,the stability of a liquid crystal elastomer fiber self-oscillating system under a linear temperature field is studied,and analytical solutions for the amplitude and frequency are determined.Initially,we establish the governing equations of self-oscillation,elucidate two motion regimes,and reveal the underlying mechanism.Subsequently,we conduct a stability analysis and employ a multi-scale method to obtain the analytical solutions for the amplitude and frequency.The results show agreement between the multi-scale and numerical methods.This research contributes to the examination of diverse self-oscillating systems and advances the theoretical analysis of self-oscillating systems rooted in active materials.

In silico optimization of actuation performance in dielectric elastomercomposites via integrated finite element modeling and deep learning

Dielectric elastomers(DEs)require balanced electric actuation performance and mechanical integrity under applied voltages.Incorporating high dielectric particles as fillers provides extensive design space to optimize concentration,morphology,and distribution for improved actuation performance and material modulus.This study presents an integrated framework combining finite element modeling(FEM)and deep learning to optimize the microstructure of DE composites.FEM first calculates actuation performance and the effective modulus across varied filler combinations,with these data used to train a convolutional neural network(CNN).Integrating the CNN into a multi-objective genetic algorithm generates designs with enhanced actuation performance and material modulus compared to the conventional optimization approach based on FEM approach within the same time.This framework harnesses artificial intelligence to navigate vast design possibilities,enabling optimized microstructures for high-performance DE composites.

Preparation and Properties of Spray Polyurea Elastomer for Aquaculture Foam Floating Balls

[Objectives] This study was conducted to develop a polyurea elastomer which can be sprayed on the surface of expanded polystyrene (EPS) floating balls, so as to improve the surface strength and service life of the floating balls. [Methods] The effects of the types and amounts of isocyanate, chain extenders and polyether polyols on the gelation rate, adhesion and wear resistance of polyurea elastomer were investigated, and it was finally determined the preparation process of polyurea elastomer using liquid isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and amino-terminated polyether (D2000) as the main raw materials, dimethylthiotoluene diamine (E300) as the chain extender and silica as the wear resistance modifier through two-step solution polymerization of prepolymerization and chain extension. [Results] The physical properties and chemical resistance tests of spray polyurea elastomer showed that it had good physical properties and acid and alkali resistance, and could meet the requirements of spraying and protection of EPS floating ball surface in marine environment. [Conclusions] Polyurea elastomer coating can improve the aging resistance, wear resistance and acid and alkali resistance of EPS floating balls, and prevent them from being fragile and floating randomly to form marine floating garbage which results in "white pollution".

风力发电机叶片MRD模糊LQR减振控制研究

针对在载荷作用下风力机叶片面内外振动控制问题,基于磁流变阻尼器MRD(Magnetorheological Damper)开展风力机叶片减振控制研究,采用模糊控制和LQR(Linear Quadratic Regulator)控制算法相结合的策略对MRD的阻尼力进行最优控制设计,以实现风力机叶片最优减振控制。首先,介绍MRD的原理和力学模型;其次,以NREL-5MW风力发电机组为数值仿真对象,建立风机叶片MRD动力学模型;最后,设计相应的模糊LQR半主动控制算法,跟踪识别风力机叶片在载荷作用下的动力响应。结果表明:与MRD叶片响应相比,模糊控制及模糊LQR控制策略均具有良好的减振效果,均使叶片面内外响应明显减小。此外,对比分析发现模糊LQR控制效果相比模糊控制效果更好,且叶片减振效果接近LQR主动控制下的位移响应,同时也充分表明该控制方法的合理性和优越性。

Numerical Analysis on Magnetic-induced Shear Modulus of Magnetorheological Elastomers Based on Multi-chain Model

Based on the magnetic interaction energy, using derivative of the magnetic energy density, a model is proposed to compute the magnetic-induced shear modulus of magnetorheological elastomers. Taking into account the influences of particles in the same chain and the particles in all adjacent chains, the traditional magnetic dipole model of the magnetorheological elastomers is modified. The influence of the ratio of the distance etween adjacent chains to the distance between adjacent particles in a chain on the magnetic induced shear odulus is quantitatively studied. When the ratio is large, the multi-chain model is compatible with the single chain model, but when the ratio is small, the difference of the two models is significant and can not be neglected. Making certain the size of the columns and the distance between adjacent columns, after constructing the computational model of BCT structures, the mechanical property of the magnetorheological elastomers composed of columnar structures is analyzed. Results show that, conventional point dipole model has overrated the magnetic-induced shear modulus of the magnetorheological elastomers. From the point of increasing the magnetic-induced shear modulus, when the particle volume fraction is small, the chain-like structure exhibits better result than the columnar structure, but when the particle volume fraction is large,the columnar structure will be better.

Effect of Cyclic Deformation on Magnetorheological Elastomers

Fatigue properties of magnetorheological elastomer （MRE） samples were investigated based on cis-polybutadiene rubber by using a fatigue test machine. Three MRE samples with iron particles mass fraction of 60%, 70%, and 80% were fabricated, and their properties dependence of three strain amplitudes （50%, 75%, and 100%） were measured. The absolute magnetorheological （MR） effect, storage modulus, and loss modulus of MRE samples after fatigue were evaluated by a modified dynamic mechanical analyzer. The results revealed that MR effect, storage modulus, and loss modulus of MREs containing 80% iron particles depended strongly on the strain amplitudes and the number of cycles, while storage mod-ulus and loss modulus of MREs containing 70% iron particles also depended on the strain amplitudes and the number of cycles but not as strongly as sample which contains 80% iron particles, but the properties of MREs containing 60% iron particles after cyclic deforma-tion were almost independent of the fatigued conditions. In order to investigate the fatigue mechanism of MREs, the sample was carried out with a quasi-static tensile testing and its surface morphology during testing was observed in situ by scanning electron microscopy.

Experimental investigation on vibration characteristics of sandwich beams with magnetorheological elastomers cores

A sandwich beam specimen was fabricated by treating with MR elastomers between two thin aluminum face-plates.Experiment was carried out to investigate the vibration responses of the sandwich beam with respect to the intensity of the magnetic field and excitation frequencies.The results show that the sandwich beams with MR elastomers cores have the capabilities of shifting natural frequencies and the vibration amplitudes decrease with the variation of the intensity of external magnetic field.

Damping of magnetorheological elastomers

The damping property of magnetorheological elastomers(MREs) is characterized by a modified dynamic mechanical-magnetic coupled analyzer.The influence of external magnetic flux density,damping of matrix,content of iron particles,dynamic strain and driving frequency on the MREs' damping was investigated experimentally.The results indicate that the MREs' damping property depends on the interfacial slip between the inner particles and the matrix.Different from the general composite materials,the interfacial slip in MRE is affected by the external applied magnetic field.

Radiation Vulcanization of Magnetorheological Elastomers Based on Silicone Rubber

The fabrication of magnetorheological （MR） elastomers was studied by two vulcanization methods, including heat vulcanization （HV） and radiation vulcanization （RV）, were employed to fabricate MRE samples. The dynamical mechanical properties were characterized by using a dynamic mechanic analyzer. In particular, both the MR effect and its durability were investigated. The experimental results showed that RV samples have large magnetoinduced modulus, large zero-field modulus, and good durability property of MR effect. To explain these results, cubic deformation and plasticizer migration were analyzed. Large magneto-induced modulus of RV sample results from cubic deformation during vulcanization process. And the plasticizer migration results in better durability of MR effect.

Magnetic field-dependent inductance properties based on magnetorheological elastomer

Magnetorheological(MR)materials are a class of smart material,whose the mechanical/rheological state can be controlled under a magnetic field.Magnetorheological materials are typically fluids,gels,or elastomers.In this study,anisotropic and isotropic magneto-rheological elastomer(MRE)samples were fabricated using a silicone rubber matrix with carbonyl iron particles as filler particles.The magnetic field-dependent inductance properties of these samples were studied using inductors specially designed for the analysis.The effect of the filler particle content,fabrication conditions,and inductance properties were characterized using a self-built system in both constant and transient magnetic fields.These factors show a significant effect on the inductance properties of the MRE inductor under an applied magnetic field.The anisotropic MRE inductor was more sensitive than the inductor based on an isotropic MRE.Owing to the presence of a constant magnetic field,the inductance value of the MRE inductor decreased with an increase in the external magnetic field.An attempt in elucidation of the mechanism is reported here.This study may enable the MRE to be widely used in practical applications such as monitoring magnetic field or detecting the filler particle content inside MR materials.

Damping of Magnetorheological Elastomers

The damping property of magnetorheological （MR） elastomers is characterized by a modified dynamic mechanical-magnetic coupled analyzer. The influences of the external magnetic flux density, damping of the matrix, content of iron particles, dynamic strain, and driving frequency on the damping properties of MR elastomers were investigated experimentally. The experimental results indicate that the damping properties of MR elastomers greatly depend on the interfacial slipping between the inner particles and the matrix. Different from general composite materials, the interracial slipping in MR elastomers is affected by the external applied magnetic field.

Enhancement in Magnetorheological Effect of Magnetorheological Elastomers by Surface Modification of Iron Particles

In order to obtain magnetorheological （MR） elastomers with high magnetorheological effect, a family of anisotropic rubber-based MR elastomers was developed using a new form of chemical modification. Three different kinds of surfactants, i.e. anionic, nonionic and compound surfactants, were employed separately to modify iron particles. The MR effect was evaluated by measuring the dynamic shear modulus of MR elastomer with a magneto-combined dynamic mechanical analyzer. Results show that the relative MR effect can be up to 188% when the iron particles are modified with 15% Span 80. Besides the surface activity of Span 80, however, such high modifying effect is partly due to the plasticizing effect of Span 80. Compared with the single surfactant, the superior surface activity of compound surfactant makes the relative MR effect reach 77% at a low content of 0.4%. Scanning electron microscope observation shows that the modification of compound surfactant results in perfect compatibility between particles and rubber matrix and special self-assembled structure of particles. Such special structure has been proved beneficial to the improvement of the relative MR effect.