The Capability of Electrorheological Actuators for Vibration Decoupling

摘要

The viscosity of electrorheological fluids (ERFs) changes rapidly and reversible when applying an electric field. This unique property renders ERFs very attractive for use in hydraulic devices with fast and continuously switching valves. Especially for semi-active or active vibration control, where conventional hydraulic systems suffer from long response times, the application of ERF devices is very promising. In this paper, the capability of actuators based on electrorheological fluids for active vibration control is investigated. Detailed static and dynamic rheological measurements were carried out to gain insight into the behavior of an ERF under realistic load conditions. These measurements yield a dynamic model of the fluid that can be used to design electrorheological valves and actuators, to predict their dynamic performance and to formulate controllers. With these results, an experimental actuator was constructed to investigate the applicability for active vibration control.