Vibration control using smart fluids: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract

A smart fluid is defined as one in which the resistance to flow can be controlled through the application of an electric or magnetic field. Such fluids can be used as the basis for constructing controllable damping devices that can generally outperform traditional passive dampers without involving the cost, weight, and complexity problems associated with fully active schemes. In this paper, the authors present a state-of-the-art review of smart fluids in vibration control. A comprehensive survey article appeared as recently as 1996, but progress since then has been so rapid and dramatic as to warrant an update. After summarizing the operating mechanisms of the two key smart fluids - electro-rheological (ER) and magneto-rheological (MR) - it is shown how they can be harnessed for vibration control. Progress over the past three years is categorized under four headings: the rise of MR fluids, the development of effective mathematical models of ER and MR fluids, the emergence of techniques for dynamic control, and the exploitation of promising new areas of application. The paper concludes with a discussion of possible avenues for future development. Some problems that await resolution are also mentioned.