Magnetorheological (MR) fluids
Prelims:
Science & Technology
Mains:
GS
Paper III-Science & Technology
Current relevance:
Scientists from IIT Patna,
with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have
developed an innovative hybrid magneto-rheometer to accurately
characterise the performance of magnetorheological (MR) fluids under
real operating conditions.
Highlights:
The newly developed hybrid
magneto-rheometer provides a novel method to characterise the performance
of magnetorheological (MR) fluids under both magnetic and non-magnetic
conditions.
About Magnetorheological (MR) Fluids:
1.
MR fluids are smart
materials that rapidly increase their viscosity when exposed to a magnetic
field, enabling controlled transmission of force through an electromagnet.
2. Scientists developed nano iron powder-based MR fluids and
fabricated a hybrid rheometer capable of measuring both rheological (flow
and deformation) and tribological (friction and wear) properties
under compression and shear modes.
3. The hybrid rheometer evaluates MR fluid behaviour under compression
plus shear (mixed mode) in the presence and absence of a magnetic field,
providing a more comprehensive assessment than conventional methods.
4. Applications:
·
MR fluids are suitable for
applications in brakes, clutches, shock absorbers, vibration
control systems, dampers, actuators, and medical devices.
·
The technology also supports
the study of viscoelastic materials used in polymers,
pharmaceuticals, food processing, cosmetics, and petrochemicals.
5. Significance:
The hybrid magneto-rheometer enhances the
understanding of MR fluid behaviour, enabling the development of high-performance
smart materials for medicine, aerospace, defence, automation, and
energy-efficient adaptive technologies.
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2293782®=48&lang=1