An analytical method for optimal design of MR valve structures

This paper proposes an analytical methodology for the optimal design of a magnetorheological (MR) valve structure. The MR valve structure is constrained in a specific volume and the optimization problem identifies geometric dimensions of the valve structure that maximize the yield stress pressure drop of a MR valve or the yield stress damping force of a MR damper. In this paper, the single-coil and two-coil annular MR valve structures are considered. After describing the schematic configuration and operating principle of a typical MR valve and damper, a quasi-static model is derived based on the Bingham model of a MR fluid. The magnetic circuit of the valve and damper is then analyzed by applying Kirchoff's law and the magnetic flux conservation rule. Based on quasi-static modeling and magnetic circuit analysis, the optimization problem of the MR valve and damper is built. In order to reduce the computation load, the optimization problem is simplified and a procedure to obtain the optimal solution of the simplified optimization problem is presented. The optimal solution of the simplified optimization problem of the MR valve structure constrained in a specific volume is then obtained and compared with the solution of the original optimization problem and the optimal solution obtained from the finite element method.