Measuring the response time and static rheological properties of electrorheological fluids with regard to the design of valves and their controllers

Abstract

The rheological properties of the commercially used electrorheological fluid Rheoil 3.0 is measured using flow channels, that provide similar flow conditions to many electrorheological applications. The static dependence of the apparent viscosity on the field strength, the shear rate and the temperature as well as the response time of a change in the viscosity upon a changed electric field are measured and approximated by a mathematical model that can be used to design electrorheological valves and to estimate their dynamic performance.