Eckhard Wendt

MATERIALS FOR ER FLUIDS

Recent improvements in the physical understanding of ER fluids have led to the rational design of new ER materials with improved properties. This paper gives an overview of several recent developments in the formulation of ER fluids, concentrating on new particulate phases for ER dispersions. Examples of homogeneous ER fluids are also discussed. The trend leading to designed ER dispersions is demonstrated by a new class of electrorheological fluids based on non-aqueous polyurethane dispersions. The fluids exhibit an attractive combination of properties: low viscosity, high ER effect, and low conductivity. The dispersed phase consists of a specially developed polyurethane elastomer which solvates and stabilizes metal salts. The polymer network density influences the mobility of the dissolved ions, allowing a surprising degree of control over the ER effect. Properties such as the field strength dependence of the ER-effect, switching response, and conductivity of these fluids correlate directly with changes in the polymer structure. Electrorheological measurements in a couette viscometer (shear-mode) and in a model shock absorber (flow-mode) using a commercial polyurethane-based fluid show that the ER effect is also dependent upon the shearing geometry.

A NEW TYPE OF HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR USING ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL FLUIDS

Electrorheological Fluids (ERF) are usually used in semi active damping elements, e.g. shock absorbers or engine mounts because of their continuously controllable shear stress. A totally new field of application may be achieved, if an ERF is used as a hydraulic fluid and not only as a control medium. In this case a fundamental need is the capability to produce a volume flow by using normal hydraulic pumps, e.g. gear pumps. The ERF and the hydraulic components both must have a long lifetime without unusual wear. Bayer AG has developed an ERF based on soft crosslinked PU-particles dispersed in silicone oil. These ERF are characterised by a low basic viscosity, a high ER-effect and a moderate conductivity. Compared with previous ERF where hard inorganic particles were used, the new fluid is not abrasive. It is foremostly this characteristic which gives the possibility of using the ERF in hydraulic systems with high shear rates and high shear stresses. The usage of ERF as hydraulic fluid allows the construction of proportional valves without mechanically driven parts. The control of the pressure drop over the valves is realised directly by an electrical signal. It is possible to realise actuators with very fast response times since the reaction time of ERF is within milliseconds. For demonstration purpose Bayer AG has built an actuator which is controlled by an electrorheological valve-block. The calculation of the dimension of this actuator and the valves will be shown and the realised response time will be demonstrated.

ER-Fluids Based on Polyurethane Dispersions: Structure and Properties

This paper describes the structure and properties of a new class of electrorheological fluids based on non-aqueous polyurethane dispersions. The fluids exhibit an attractive combination of properties: low viscosity, high ER effect, and low conductivity. The dispersed phase consists of a specially developed polyurethane elastomer which solvates and stabilizes metal salts. The polymer network density influences the mobility of the dissolved ions, allowing a surprising degree of control over the ER effect. Properties such as the field strength dependence of the ER-effect, switching response, and conductivity of these fluids correlate directly with changes in the polymer structure. Electrorheological measurements in a couette viscometer (shear-mode) and in a model shock absorber (flow-mode) using a commercial polyurethane-based fluid show that the ER effect is also dependent upon the shearing geometry. The implications of these results for the design and application of ER-fluids are discussed.