Temperature Effect on the Torque Characteristic of a Magnetorheological Clutch

In this article the torque characteristic of a permanent magnet magnetorheological (MR) clutch is investigated focusing on the influence of temperature. An experimental campaign was carried out on a test bench equipped with a caulk oxen, heating up to 80°C. The torque characteristic was measured monitoring both fluid and clutch case temperature. Torque data were processed and well fitted by a formula where the temperature dependence is expressed by Arrhenius law. In particular, a loss of transmitted torque for increasing temperature was found. An approximate dependence of MR fluid shear stress on temperature, useful for similar devices, was also obtained.