MR fluids and devices in the real world

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are now well established as one of the leading materials for use in controllable structures and systems. Commercial application of MR fluids, particularly in the automotive industry, has grown rapidly over the past few years. Today, MR fluid devices can be found in tens of thousands of vehicles. Experience in developing commercially successful MR fluids and devices has led to the creation of a series of figures-of-merit, design guidelines and empirical equations for describing MR fluids. Such experience-based guidelines have proven to be invaluable tools in all phases of MR fluid device development from initial concept feasibility to production engineering. These tools are easily integrated into design spreadsheets that enable the simultaneous optimization of MR fluid, device geometry, device size, device materials and electromagnet parameters.