A microstructural model of the motion of particle pairs in MR fluids is proposed that accounts for both hydrodynamic and magnetic field forces. A fluid constitutive equation is derived from the model that allows prediction of velocity, particle structure and yield stress. Results for simple shear and elongational flows are presented for cases where particle pairs remain in close contact so they are hydrodynamically equivalent to an ellipsoid of aspect ratio two. In this limiting case, only the magnetic force component normal to the vector connecting the centers of a particle pair affects motion. Shear flow results indicate particle pairs rotate continuously with the flow at low magnetic fields while a steady state is reached at high fields. For elongational flows, when the applied magnetic field is parallel to the elongation direction, particle pairs orient in the field/flow direction. Either orientation is possible when the field is perpendicular to the flow. A second theoretical approach to the prediction of the yield stress is presented. Predictions for various shear rates and magnetic fields are compared with experimental data. The comparison indicates a good agreement between model predictions and experimental data at low to moderate magnetic fields.

Date Published: 6 April 2006
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 6170, Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Active Materials: Behavior and Mechanics, 61700S (6 April 2006); doi: 10.1117/12.658743

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6170:
Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Active Materials: Behavior and Mechanics
William D. Armstrong, Editor(s)