Investigate the effects of the dimensional factors on resistance force in magnetorheological brake with the waveform boundary of a rotary disk

There are many studies on applying magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) to braking systems and shock absorbers. This paper investigates the resistance caused by the MRF to the curved surface of the brake components to improve the braking and damping forces. MRF is also called a smart fluid whose viscosity can be controlled. This study uses the proposed model of the magnetorheological brake (MRB) of Nam and Ahn with the waveform boundary of a rotary disk. In this study, the Taguchi method is applied to build virtual experiments and investigate the influence of dimensional parameters of the brake component, including the radius of arc (Rrac), MRF gap (g), and the thickness of the part (b) on its resistance force (F). The resistance force caused by a non-planar surface's resistance is expected to be significantly larger than that of a flat surface. Overall, the results show that the MRF gap g (mm) has the most significant influence, followed by the radius of the arc (Rarc) and, then, the thickness (b) of the components. Thus, based on these parameters' effects, there will be a practical direction to improve the design of devices using this kind of MRF special brake or clutch.