Preliminary Study of Modelling Dynamic Properties of Magnetorheological Fluid Damper

u(t) c 1 2 k 3 m f c Abstract A preliminary study was conducted to investigate numerical models that can be used to simulate the dynamic behaviour of a damper based on magnetorheological (MR) materials. Several articles presenting the results of experimental testing and mathematical modelling have been published recently. The goal for this study was to implement a selected model into the finite element method (FEM) for structural dynamic analysis purposes in the time domain. A simplified controllable spring-dashpot-friction element was implemented as a user element subroutine ("smart connector element") into the ABAQUS/Standard FEM-program. The model was verified by numerical comparisons. It was observed that the smart connector element can be applied to simulate a similar dynamic response to that measured in the experiments. Therefore, it can be employed to analyze adaptive structures in which the MR-damper is utilized to control dynamic properties. Preface This paper presents available models for magnetorheological (MR) materials and dampers that can be applied in structural analysis. The work was carried out in VTT´s technology theme: Intelligent Products and Systems under the topic Embedded Structural Intelligence. The objective in this topic is to cost-efficiently embed intelligence into structures, which can enable utilisation of entirely new types of product concepts with high performance and reliable operation. The key focus area is to develop functional materials, affordable wireless measurement technology and control, which are adaptable to operating conditions, and to apply these in vibration, durability and shape control.