Numerical Simulation and Experiment of a New Magnetorheological Mount Featuring Two Squeeze Gaps and Four Flow Channels
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the hybrid squeeze–flow damping characteristics of a previously developed magnetorheological (MR) mount, which integrates two vertically symmetric squeeze gaps and four flow channels. Based on the magnetic-circuit configuration, a damping-force prediction model was established specifically for the proposed hybrid structure. Magnetostatic finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to compare the magnetic field characteristics under co-directional and opposite-direction coil excitation, and the influence of magnetic isolation components on the magnetic field distribution was additionally investigated. The results indicate that co-directional current excitation generates higher magnetic flux density in both the squeeze gaps and flow channels, enabling the magnetorheological fluid (MRF) to approach magnetic saturation at an excitation current of 2 A. The magnetic isolation components further improve the magnetic flux distribution and enhance the magnetic flux density in the squeeze gaps and flow channels. A one-way coupled numerical method combining magnetostatic FEA and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was employed. The rheological properties of the MRF were derived from the magnetic flux density and incorporated into the CFD model via a user-defined function (UDF) to calculate the pressure losses and predict the damping force of the MR mount. The proposed model was experimentally validated over an excitation frequency range of 5–30 Hz at an amplitude of 0.15 mm, showing good agreement with the experimental results under most operating conditions. Beyond the experimentally validated range, the model was further employed to investigate the predicted damping characteristics under extended excitation conditions. The extrapolated numerical results indicate that the total damping force can reach 958.2512 N at an excitation amplitude of 0.3 mm and a frequency of 200 Hz. This result should be regarded as a model-based prediction rather than experimentally validated high-frequency performance. The squeeze mode provides the dominant damping contribution, while the contribution of the flow mode becomes increasingly significant with increasing excitation frequency. The results provide a basis for evaluating the potential of the hybrid squeeze–flow MR mount for vehicle engine vibration isolation.
Source: Actuators
DOI: 10.3390/act15090455
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7204094944