Modeling, measurements and validation of magnetic field dependent flow behavior of magnetorheological fluids; static and dynamic yield stress

Abstract

The issue which is always debated in the magnetorheological (MR) fluid is the dynamic and static yield stress values obtained from a flow curve. To evaluate these, a suitable constitutive equations are required. The aim of this article is to provide suitable rheological models for the prediction of static and dynamic yield stress from a single flow curve under wide shear rate and magnetic field ranges. The proposed model is well suited for isotropic and anisotropic particle-based MR fluids. The parameters, like yield stress, critical shear rate and viscosity at high shear rate obtained from the fit show systematic variation with applied magnetic field strength. These variations in the parameters can be related to the mesostructure formation and its influence on the MR suspension rheological properties. To further confirm the value of the static yield stress derived from the proposed model, the small-strain oscillatory shear flow experiment is carried out and the static yield stress values are obtained. These values agree well with that obtained from the proposed model. Similarly, to evaluate the dynamic yield stress from the flow curve, modified three parameter model applied to soft glassy materials is used. Here, the critical shear rate parameter obtained from the proposed model is used to deduce dynamic yield stress. It is identified that the values obtained are lower than the static yield stress. Furthermore, at low magnetic field, the static and dynamic yield stress follows the relationship defined by the square dependence of the magnetic field strength. The difference between the static and dynamic yield stress values at high field is greater for anisotropic particle based MR fluid than isotropic particle based MR fluid. This reflects the contribution of particle-particle and particle-carrier interaction in the value of the yield stress in anisotropic particle based MR fluid. Thus, the present model provides a clear idea of the dissipation process that occurs in a shear MR fluid.