Design of magnetorheological valve using serpentine flux path method

Abstract

Magnetorheological (MR) valve is widely applied in a lot of applications that utilizes the flow mode, which is one of the working modes available for MR fluid devices. This paper introduces the serpentine flux path method in an MR valve, whereby using this method it can help to increase the effective region of the valve. The magnetic flux is guided into the annular gap of the valve, as the magnetic flux can be weaved by alternating the magnetic and non-magnetic materials. The method is simulated using Finite Element Method Magnetics to see the effects of weaving steps and thicknesses of non-magnetic materials to the magnetic flux distribution and pressure drop change in the valve. The results show that MR effective region can be increased with the serpentine flux path method, and the additional steps and thicknesses of non-magnetic materials help to further increase the pressure drops within the valve.