CONTROL INDICATIONS FOR AN INERTIAL DRIVE CLUTCH USING ELECTRO-STRUCTURED FLUID UNDER CYCLIC OPERATION

The effects of various characteristics of an electro-structured fluid on the performance of a typical lightweight, high speed, flexibly oper ated inertial mechanism are investigated with a view to determining op timal matching of one to the other and as a basis from which to decide a control strategy. Values of the electron-hydraulic time delay and l imiting yield stress of the fluid are varied between typical current v alues and those considered to be practically achievable within the nex t few years. The interplay of these with the viscosity of the fluid at zero excitation is shown.