Viscoelastic Fluid Flow Model for Hydrodynamic Behaviour of Magnetorheological Fluid in Valve and Shear Modes for a Damper System

Abstract

In this present study, the flow behaviour of magnetorheological fluid in valve and shear modes for damping system is modelled and analysed. The fluid is modelled as viscoelastic fluid flowing between two parallel plates in pressure driven flow mode, and also as direct shear mode. In the work, the post-yield shear thinning or thickening behaviour of magnetorheological fluids are accounted for. The velocity and pressure distributions in the unsteady magnetorheological fluid flow between the electrodes of the damper are obtained by solving the momentum equation of the magnetorheological fluid flow using the Laplace transform method. There is an excellent agreement between the results of the present model and the results of the experimental studies. The adopted viscoelastic flow model describes that the rheological behaviour of the fluid is separated into distinct pre-yield and post-yield regimes.  The fluid flow velocity, velocity gradient, and shear stresses have all been shown to be enhanced by an increase in the pressure drop. The viscosity of the fluid increases with an increase in the volume fraction of particles in the fluid, which causes the resistance of the fluid to flow to increase and thereby, reduces the fluid flow velocity. Fluid flow velocity is decreased as a result of increasing magnetic field strength. The design of clutches, rotary brakes, dampers, shock absorbers, prosthetic devices, polishing and grinding tools, etc. will all benefit greatly from the adoption of the current model.