A rotary magneto-rheological torque converter for tension regulation. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gang, Li; Cheng-bin, Du; Yong, Feng
• Is Part Of: Advances in mechanical engineering. Volume 10:Number 11(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Magneto-rheological fluid -- magnetic circuit -- output torque equation -- tension regulation -- torque converter; Mechanical engineering -- Periodicals; 621.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1687814018812304
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8132

Abstract

In this article, a drum type of transmission device has been developed, which is a double-layer cylinder structure. The working clearance between the inner and the external layers of the device has been filled with intelligent material named magneto-rheological fluid. To use it for tension regulation, theoretical model of its output torque has been constructed based on Bingham's theory, and the coupling relationship between mechanical structure, electromagnetic circuit, and magneto-rheological fluid is analyzed and simulated using finite element analysis. Higher flux is directed onto the magneto-rheological fluid and greater shear frictions are generated subsequently. The design is practical, and a special seal mechanism which is a combination of magnetic seals and labyrinthine seals is applied in this research to improve sensitivity and to reduce leakage of the device. Then, experiments on prototype indicate that this device has significant advantages of quicker response, larger output, and less heat compared to traditional magnetic particle clutch and some existing disk-type magneto-rheological brakes which were recently reported. The new device may be applied widely in the related winding tension control field in the future.