Controllable-stiffness components based on magnetorheological elastomers

So-called magnetorheological (MR) elastomers, comprising rubbery polymers loaded with magnetizable particles that are aligned in a magnetic field, possess dynamic stiffness and damping that can subsequently be controlled by applied fields. Tunable automotive bushings and mounts incorporating these materials and an embedded magnetic field source have been constructed. In this article, the response of these components to dynamic mechanical loading is described. They behave essentially as elastomeric springs with stiffness and damping that is increased by tens of percent with an applied electrical current. Their time of response to a change in current is less than ten milliseconds. In addition to a tunable spring or force generator, these components may also serve as deflection sensors.