This study focuses on the theoretical analysis, design, fabrication and characterization of a magneto-rheological (MR) fluid damper for a horizontal axis, front-loading washing machine. In such washing machines, there are two main cycles; washing and spin cycles. During acceleration from washing cycle to high-speed spin, the tub passes through its resonant speed requiring relatively high damping. On the other hand, high damping results in increased force transmission to the housing and noise at high-speed spin cycle. Controllability of the MR fluid damper allows adjustment of damping requirements for different cycles and helps reduce the noise at high speed spin cycle while limiting the tub motion at resonance. A new MR valve is used for the design of the MR fluid damper for washing machine to satisfy the requirements of the application. Fabricated prototype damper is characterized using harmonic displacement input. Test results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.
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