Journal of Basic and Applied Engineering Research

p-ISSN: 2350-0077; e-ISSN: 2350-0255; Volume 4, Issue 2; January-March, 2017, pp. 108-113
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The Study of Magneto Rheological Fluids and Its

Application in UAV
A.M. Anushree Kirthika
Dept. of Aeronautical Engineering, Veltech Dr RR & SR Technical University
Avadi, Tamilnadu, India,
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract—There are various developments in science and Each individual type of smart material consists of different
technology. These developments take place with innovation in property which can be altered such as viscosity, volume,
materials, methods of operation and its application. A conductivity. The special property that can be altered
magnetorheological fluid consists of three main components namely determines what type of application it can be used for [1].
soft magnetic particles, carrier liquids and additives. There should be
replacement of existing devices with these smart system. This paper Magnetorheological materials (fluids) are a class of smart
aims to study the properties, composition, principle of fluids and the materials whose rheological properties (e.g. viscosity) can be
application of MR Fluid in UAV for landing gear. varied by applying a magnetic field, the suspended magnetic
particles interact to form a structure that resist shear
Keyword: Magnetorheological fluids, smart system
deformation or flow.
1. INTRODUCTION This change in material appears to be as a rapid increase in
viscosity or in the development of semisolid state. These
There are developments in technology which takes place with advancement in the magnetorheological materials lead to
a innovation in materials , method of operation and the better properties and stability .The various range of
application of particular element or component in that field of applications include dampers , clutches ,brakes and also in
study .This innovation in materials lead to change of prosthetic legs.
properties. This change of properties lead to change of
application and which changes its reliability, controllability on 2. PROPERTIES OF MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL
that processed product. One such development includes the FLUIDS
magnetorheological fluids. The magnetorheological fluids
with excellent properties are applied in various field of Typical magnetorheological fluids are the suspensions of
mechanical, automobile, civil, safety engineering, magnetizable particles such as iron suspended in carrier liquid
transportation and in life science. such as mineral oil, synthetic oil, water or thylene glycol. The
carrier fluid is exactly as a dispersed medium and ensures the
The standard materials such as steel, aluminum, gold is all
homogeneity of particles in the fluid There are huge range of
highly used in industries for various purposes, but these
additives such as stabilizers and surfactants which are used to
materials do not have very special properties. Due to such
prevent gravitational settling and promote stable particle
issues, Research are done for new materials with better
suspension , enhance lubricity and change initial viscosity of
properties.
the magneto rheological fluids .The stabilizers are used to
There are materials which can change shape and size on maintain the particles suspended in the fluids while the
heating where there is change from liquid to solid at most in surfactants are absorbed on the surface of the magnetic
an instantaneous time limit when placed near a magnet. These particles to enhance polarization induced in the suspended
materials are called as smart materials which posses one or particles upon the application of magnetic field.
more properties that can also be altered on application of
Table 1: Properties of carrier fluids
process.
PROPERTY MINERAL SYNTHETIC SILICON-
The day to day usage of materials have physical properties OIL OIL E OIL
which cannot be significantly altered; for example, if oil is VISCOSITY 0.028 0.1068 0.1100
heated in a pan. Then it will become even lighter and thinner, FLASH-POINT 171-185 230 >300
while the smart materials on application of particular method SPECEFIC GRAVITY 0.818-0.95 0.817 0.9124
may turn from a liquid state which flows easily to a solid. DENSITY 825 873-894 760
The Study of Magneto Rheological Fluids and Its Application in UAV 109

Table 2: Properties of MR Fluids

PROPERTY TYPICAL VALUES

INITIAL VISCOSITY 0,2-0,3[Pa.s] at 25
DENSITY 3-4[g/ ]
MAGNETIC FIELD 150-250[KA/m]
STRENGTH
YIELD POINT 50-100 [KPa]
REACTION TIME Few milliseconds
TYPICAL SUPPLY VOLTAGE 2-25 V ,1-2A
AND CURRENT INTENSITY
Fig. 1: MR fluid without outer magnetic field
WORK TEMPERATURE -50 TO 150 [
In the Fig. 1 there are two representations namely 1 and 2
The diameter of the magnetizable particle range from 3 to 5
microns. As the size increases, the stable suspension of 1 –carrier liquid
particles also increases. A commercial product such as
2- suspended magnetizable particles
carbonyl iron are of size greater than 1 or 2 microns. It is
difficult to manufacture smaller particles but it is easier to However, in the presence of applied magnetic field, the iron
suspend it. Small ferromagnetic particles are available as particles acquire a dipole moment aligned with the external
oxides such as in the case of pigments commonly found in field which causes particles to form linear chains aligned with
magnetic recording media. Magnetorheological fluids made the magnetic field as in Fig. 1.2.
from such pigments are stable due to the diameter of particles
which are about 30 nanometers.
Due to low saturation magnetization, fluids made from these
particles are generally limited in strength of 5KPa.These have
a large plastic viscosity due to large surface area.
In the absence of an applied magnetic field , MR fluids are
approximated to Newtonian Liquids .In most of the
engineering applications a simple Bingham plastic model is
effective at a particular field dependant fluid characteristics.
A Bingham plastic is a Non-Newtonian fluid whose yield
stress must be exceeded before the flow can begin. Fig. 2: MR fluid model in outer magnetic field
Hence the rate of shear vs shear stress curve is linear. In this
model, the total yield stress is given by (1.1) The phenomenon can solidify the suspended iron particles and
restrict the fluid movement. There is also development of
. …… (1.1) yield strength within the fluid. The degree of change is related
Where to the magnitude of the applied magnetic field. Thus, this
takes a very few milliseconds of time. [Typical
= Yield stress caused by applied magnetic field magnetorheological materials can achieve a yield strength of
[Pa] up to 50-100KPa at magnetic field strength of about 150-
H = Magnetic field strength [A/m] 250KA/m.]

= Shear rate [ ] In low magnetic field , the wall roughness which is in contact
with the fluid is important for yield strength .The shear
=Plastic Viscosity, [Pa.S] modulus of MR fluid shows a large increase in applied
Generally, MR fluids are free flowing liquids which have a magnetic field for low strains prior to yield.].MR materials
consistency similar to a motor oil as in Fig. 1. reach a saturation point where increase of magnetic field
strength of the MR material .This phenomenon occurs around
300KA/M. Study of the magnetic saturation on strength basis
can be done also by FEA.

Journal of Basic and Applied Engineering Research

p-ISSN: 2350-0077; e-ISSN: 2350-0255; Volume 4, Issue 2; January-March, 2017
110 A.M. Anushree Kirthika

The MR effect is immediately reversible if the magnetic field

is reduced or removed .From study it shows that the response
time is very fast and about 6.5 ms.MR materials are stable in
temperature which ranges from -50 to 150 . There are
typically very small changes in the volume fraction and
therefore small changes in the volume fraction and therefore
small reduction in yield strength at such temperature. The
change in property of MR fluids when placed in magnetic
field is affected due to size distribution of suspended particles. Fig. 3: Behavior of MR fluid under alternating magnetic field

The advantage of MR fluid over ER fluid is given in table There is gradual change in structure of particles when an
below. alternating magnetic field is applied .The first leftmost picture
Table 3: Comparison of MR and ER fluids. shows the MR fluid which is after a time period of 1 second of
exposure to fast changing magnetic field. The picture to right
S.NO MR FLUID ER FLUID ADVANTAGE most end shows the fluid after a period of about 3 minutes,15
OF MR FLUID minutes and 1 hour of exposure. These particles also form
1 Change in rheological The change in Yield strength little clumps that also help in little structural support.
properties is large rheological increases from
property is 20 -50 times 4. BASIC SELECTION CRITERIA FOR MR FLUID
less. COMPONENTS
2 MR fluids are less ER fluids are It can be used in
sensitive to moisture more sensitive contaminant Change in the composition and components, properties has
and contaminants to environment wide range of variation in the MR effect. The selection criteria
environment also. for various MR fluids are below as follows
when
compared with 4.1. Liquid Carrier
MR fluid.
3 These are unaffected by These are Not affected by The viscosity of the fluid should be small and independent of
the surface chemistry of more affected chemical temperature .The carrier liquid should be the major
surfactants when reactions when composition of MR Fluids .The commonly used carrier liquids
compared to compared with are
MR fluids. the ER fluid.
4 Power (50 W), voltage Activation is Activation of 1. Mineral and Synthetic oil
of about more when MR materials is
(12-24v) are the compared to small to that of
2. Silicone oil
requirements of MR MR materials. ER materials. 4.1.1. Mineral and Synthetic Oil
Materials.
The rate of change of viscosity is large in mineral oil
In the above table comparison of the properties of MR and ER Therefore this is one such limitation of mineral oil to be used
fluids are done for better understanding, where as a carrier fluid in MR fluid at low temperature application.
The various properties of synthesis oil are high flash point,
MR – Magnetorheological fluids
high shear strength, high viscosity index, low friction and does
ER – Electrorheological fluids not thicken at high temperature.

3. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION 4.1.2. Silicone oil

There is good heat transfer characteristics , oxidation
On application of magnetic field to the magneto rheological
resistance , very low vapour pressure , high flash point .It is
fluid causes the particles in the chain to align themselves into
very difficult to seal silicone oil .There are small changes in
chains. The micro particles are magnetized to produce an
physical properties over a wide range of temperature and a
orderly movement when an external magnetic field is applied.
relative viscosity temperature slope and serviceability from -
Hence the movement generated at the beginning of micro
40 to 204°C.
particles are magnetized. It finishes until it reaches a relatively
stable state forming a fixed structure.

Journal of Basic and Applied Engineering Research

p-ISSN: 2350-0077; e-ISSN: 2350-0255; Volume 4, Issue 2; January-March, 2017
The Study of Magneto Rheological Fluids and Its Application in UAV 111

4.1.3. Magnetic Particles 5.1.1 Direct Shear Mode

The size of magnetic particles is approximately of the order of
1μm to 10μm .As the size of magnetic particle increases, the
attainable force also gradually increase but at the cost of
increased off state viscosity (The viscosity without including
the magnetic field) of MR fluid. The concentration of
magnetic particles in base fluid can reach up to 50%. Low
coercivity, high saturation magnetization, high permeability,
small remnance and small hysteresis loop are other
characteristics of magnetic materials used for chemically pure
particles. The particles are mesoscale and spherical to
eliminate the shape anisotropy. Fig. 4: Direct shear mode

4.1.4 Additives In direct shear mode there is movement from two magnetic
Highly viscous materials as grease, thixotropic additives are poles that are in relative movement with each other. There is
used for removal of settling stability. Ferrous naphthanate , shear which occurs in between them. The basic requirement of
ferrous oleate are also used as dispersants and metal soaps shear mode is that on movement of the relative plates, hence
such as lithium stearate or sodium stearate as thixotropic. share the fluid between them as in fig4. Due to application of
magnetic field there is alignment of MR particles in the
Thixotropic is a property of gels that become liquids on direction perpendicular to the pole plates as such during the
stirring. Magnetic materials are coated with polystyrene (PS) condition where there is sharing of motion between them
for prevention of carbonyl iron (CI) particles from about to attempts to bend the particle chain along the flux line .As the
reach in contact with each other and thereby to decrease the field intensity increases the MR fluid's resistance to shear
(CI) particles density and thereby to improve sedimentation process also increases. The direct-shear mode of MR fluids
stability. can be used in low force dampers.
4.1.5 Surfactants 5.1.2 Squeeze film mode
The surfactants serve to decrease the rate of ferroparticle
settling which is a favorable characteristic for MR fluids. The
ideal MR fluid never settles down but the development of such
ideal fluid is difficult. The prolong settling of surfactants is
achieved in two ways: by addition of surfactants and by
addition of spherical ferromagnetic nanoparticles which
suspends larger particles for a longer period. Addition of
surfactants allows micelles to form around the ferroparticles.
Table 4: components of MRF
Fig. 5: Squeeze film mode

Squeeze film mode involves a layer of MR fluid where there

are two magnetic poles as shown in the above Fig. 5.On
application of force onto the plates such that parallel to the
direction of flux lines that pressurizes the chain like structure
of MR fluid particles . The ability of the MR fluid particle
column to resist the buckling action is influenced by the
intensity of induced fluid.

6. APPLICATION IN UAV
In general, there are wide range of application of MR fluids.
5. MODES OF OPERATION FOR MR FLUIDS These are used in dampers, shocks for racing cars. There are
wide range of dampers such as mono tube damper etc.MR
There are various modes of operation for MR fluids namely
dampers are also used in suspensions, control by wire,
1. Direct shear mode feedback devices, pneumatic control, seismic mitigation and in
2. Squeeze Film mode human prosthesis.MR technology offers

Journal of Basic and Applied Engineering Research

p-ISSN: 2350-0077; e-ISSN: 2350-0255; Volume 4, Issue 2; January-March, 2017
112 A.M. Anushree Kirthika

1. Simple design ∑ | | 0 …….. (6.5)

2. Damping
3 Motion and position control Where " " refers to Braking Deceleration and “g” refers to
4. Locking Gravitational acceleration. The load acting in the nose gear is
5 High energy density given below as
| |
.…… (6.6)
In UAV, the magnetorheological fluid can be applied in the
case of shock absorber. Shock absorbers are designed in large Where the first term refers to static load and second term
commercial aircraft and now recent developments are being refers to dynamic load. The total load on nose gear during
established for fixed wing type of UAV. The design of landing landing is as follows
gear is also an important aspect. The landing gear when
designed can be exposed to different loading which are due to
….…. (6.7)
two reasons that is change in aircraft center of gravity location
and dynamic loading. Consider a tricycle configuration of Similarly, the dynamic load on main landing gear during take-
landing gear which is found in most of the commercial jet off with an acceleration of “ ” will be determined as
aircraft. The wheel load geometry is illustrated and explained follows.
below with formulas for calculation of load in the nose and
……. (6.8)
main landing gear with respect to CG location [8].
Thus, the total load acting on the main landing gear is
illustrated below.

…….. (6.9)
| |
= …….. (6.10)

The landing gear must be designed based on the maximum

take-off weight of aircraft and not on the landing weight.
Though the weight of aircraft during the phase of landing is
very less when compared to MTOW [8].
The shock absorber data are generated based on the load
acting on the gears. The diameter of the shock absorber is
illustrated below [9].
.
= 0.041 + 0.0025 ……. (6.11)
Fig. 6: Wheel load geometry Where “ ” refers to Load on main landing gear in pounds
(lbs.) and “ Ds ” refers to diameter of shock absorber in inches.
Along the x-axis, the aircraft center of gravity moves along
two extreme limits “a” and “b”, where “a” refers to (Xcgaft) The shock absorbers are designed with a MR fluid in flow
most aft location and “b” refers to (Xcgfor) most forward mode with a moving piston which is held together with an
location. The main gear carries a load which is greater than the electromagnetic coil. The MR fluid will flow with an annulus
aircraft weight. The following equations govern the minimum between piston and body of cylinder. The design and
and maximum static loads on each gear. components of landing gear with shock absorbers are shown
below.
= …… (6.1)
The basic elements are pneumatic chamber in the top, fluid
flow control module in the middle, MR fluid chamber at the
= …… (6.2) bottom. The top and bottom chambers are integrated to the
flow control module. The flow control module will hold all the
electromagnetic coil and elements for the magnetic flux path.
= …… (6.3)
The top and bottom chambers are fabricated with non-
magnetic materials, so that the flux leakage will be minimized.
= …… (6.4) The flow control module is manufactured with magnetic
materials except the coil housing, coil cover and flow
During the braking segment of landing operation, the directing plates. All the items are properly machined with very
equilibrium equation is obtained below. close tolerances to maintain the geometric and positional

Journal of Basic and Applied Engineering Research

p-ISSN: 2350-0077; e-ISSN: 2350-0255; Volume 4, Issue 2; January-March, 2017
The Study of Magneto Rheological Fluids and Its Application in UAV 113

requirements. The tyre is made up of standard aircraft quality 7. CONCLUSION

to with stand the static and dynamic requirements [9].
This paper deals with the basic principles, operation of
magnetic field along with various properties. Science and
technology shows a large variation in the view of
developments in current new technology and research for past
years.
Magnetorheological fluids can change their shape and form
also from liquid to solid along with exposure to magnetic
field. In the absence of Magnetic field the fluid behaves like a
Newtonian fluid. The change in property of MR Fluid when
placed in magnetic field is affected due to size distribution of
suspended particle.
MR fluids provides more reliable control and can operate at very low
voltage power supplies. MR technology can provide flexible, reliable
control capabilities in designs also.MR fluid is less prone to
Fig. 7 Arrangement of landing gear contaminant and can be used in contaminated environment also.
As the size increases the stable suspension also increases.
At the time of landing condition, due to vertical descent and
weight of the aircraft, the piston rod will move inside pushing These smart materials that are magnetorheological fluids are
the MRG though the flow control module. The flow control highly useful due to their properties and can be applied in
module will regulate the flow of the MRG to the top chamber. various field such as dampers, MR fluid shocks for racing cars
As the flow of the fluid increases its volume in the top and in advance prosthesis also. The application of MR
chamber, the piston in the top chamber will start compressing fluid in UAV for shock absorber has been explained along
the gas inside the chamber and increases its pressure. The with the configuration of landing gear [9].
change in pressure also acts as a vertical force on the bottom
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Fig. 8 Assembly of landing gear

Journal of Basic and Applied Engineering Research

p-ISSN: 2350-0077; e-ISSN: 2350-0255; Volume 4, Issue 2; January-March, 2017