Effect of Disc Parameters on the Braking Torque of Disc Type Magnetorheological Brake

Smart materials are gaining lots of importance in the industry. Smart materials can be employed in a wide range of applications. The magneto-rheological (MR) fluid, which is a smart fluid, also come under this category. They can change their viscosity under the excitation of an external magnetic field. One of its major research areas is in the applications of MR fluid-based brake systems. There are several working modes of MR fluid, viz. shear mode, flow mode and squeeze mode. Shear mode is the primary operation mode in the application of brakes. In shear mode, fluid is present in the gap between the plates moving relative to each other. The change in viscosity under the applied magnetic field induces the shear stresses which help in braking. The torque produced in a disc type MR brake depends on various parameters, including the type of MR fluid used (composition of fluid), the disc radius, disc thickness, clearances for the MR fluid. The effect of these parameters on the torque generated is studied.