Study on the Magnetic Field‐Dependent Rolling Friction Coefficient Compensation of Magnetorheological Elastomer–Copper Ball Friction Pair with Wet Interfaces

Inline noncontact compensation of the declining rolling friction coefficient (f r) of rolling rotating equipment in contaminated conditions is still a challenge. Herein, it is verified that f r of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) under common industrial pollution can be real‐time contactless compensation by magnetic field. Experimental results show that the MRE–copper ball friction pair in water medium has the best effect of magnetic field induction linear compensation, whose nonlinear error is only 1.93%. Particularly, the magnetic field‐induced f r of MRE coated with water can compensate to 95% of that of dry surface without magnetic field (K 0) at magnetic field of 50 mT. And even‐coated edible blended oil or engine oil surface, f r can be compensated by 90% of K 0 at 150 mT. The mechanism of magnetic field‐induced rolling friction compensation is that the magnetic field causes the MRE to become hard and partially rough, thereby increasing the f r; water has the smallest apparent viscosity, leading to an optimal compensation effect. It is considered that water is a common pollutant in the industry and has excellent heat dissipation properties. It is anticipated that this research provides a method of linear contactless compensation, f r, and improves the service life of the equipment.