Electro Rheological Device (ERD) – Measurement of electro rheological fluids

Fluids capable of rapid, dramatic and repetitive changes in their rheological properties in the presence of an electric field are known as electrorheological (ER) fluids. In the absence of an electric field, ER fluids are usually in a liquid-like state. As soon as an electric field is applied, the fluid generally becomes solid-like, or at least becomes highly viscous.

Introduction

Fluids capable of rapid, dramatic and repetitive changes in their rheological properties in the presence of an electric field are known as electrorheological (ER) fluids. In the absence of an electric field, ER fluids are usually in a liquid-like state. As soon as an electric field is applied, the fluid generally becomes solid-like, or at least becomes highly viscous.

Electrorheological fluids have been successfully used in state-of-the-art automobiles, in damping systems and clutches (Corvette Anniversary Edition 2003). ER fluids consist usually of particles held in suspension by a non-conducting liquid. The suspending liquid is typically a low-viscosity hydrocarbon or silicone oil. The particles are commonly metal oxides, organic–inorganic aluminosilicates or polymers. Sedimentation of the particles is a well-known problem in electrorheology. In order to stabilize the dispersion and avoid sedimentation, the suspended particles should have a lower density than the surrounding liquid. Thus, the behavior of an ER fluid in an electric field depends strongly on its composition.

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