Design analysis and experimental evaluation of an MR fluid clutch

An MRC (Magneto-Rheological Clutch), a device to transmit torque by shear s tress of MR fluids, has the property that its power transmissibility change s quickly in response to control signal. In this study, we consider methods to predict performance of an MRC. First, we anticipate the performance of an MRC with a simplified mathematical model and second, we predict the perf ormance in consideration of the applied magnetic field and viscosity distri bution of fluids caused by the field. Between the two methods, compared wit h experimental results, it is shown that the numerical method is closer to reality than the simplified one.