Semi-Active Controllable Stiffness Engine Mount Utilizing Natural Rubber-Based Magnetorheological Elastomers

This study proposes the design and fabrication of a natural rubber-based magnetorheological elastomer (NR-MRE) engine mount as a new device in absorbing the vibration originated from the automotive engine. The conceptual design was performed through a simulation process by Finite Element Method Magnetics to analyze the magnetic field distribution. The simulation result had indicated that the device was capable of generating an equivalent magnetic field density of 0.31 T at the effective area. The MRE was prepared by utilizing 60 wt% of carbonyl iron particles (CIPs), and the cavity was filled by compression molding. The MRE compound was tested based on its basic mechanical properties, while the MRE engine mounts were tested under a static compression load at off- and on-state conditions. It was observed that the compound possessed a good tensile strength for a load bearer matrix with an average of 12.65 MPa. Subsequently, the results of the static compression load had showed that the MRE engine mounts recorded an increase of 12% in the force generated as compared to conventional engine mounts at an off-state condition. Meanwhile, at an on-state condition of 2.4 A, the MRE engine mounts recorded an increase in the force generated with 106%. The study has demonstrated that the proposed device can be one of the potential candidates for vibration control applications due to its stiffness controllability.