Design and Evaluation of a Shear-Mode MR Damper for Suspension System of Front-Loading Washing Machines

摘要

In this research, a low damping force shear-mode magneto-rheological (MR) damper that can replace conventional passive damper of a front-loading washing machine is designed and experimentally evaluated. In the design of the MR damper, required damping force, off-state friction force, size, and low cost of the MR damper are taken into account. Firstly, a suppression system for washing machines featuring MR dampers is proposed considering required damping force, available space, and cost of the system. Optimization of the proposed MR suspension system is then performed considering required damping force, off-state friction force, size, power consumption, and low cost of the MR damper. From the optimal results, simulated performance of the optimized MR damper is obtained and presented with discussions. A detailed design of the MR damper is then conducted, and a prototype MR damper is manufactured. In addition, experimental results on the prototype MR damper are obtained and compared with simulated ones. Finally, discussions on performance and application of the MR suspension system for front-loading washing machines are given.