Preliminary design of a magnetorheological brakefor automotive use

After an initial study of the characteristics of magnetorheological fluids based on a thorough search inliterature, a preliminary configuration of MR brake is proposed. It comes from the evaluation of the mainfactors influencing the design of an appropriate magnetic circuit, and then the performance obtained in termsof brake torque. The analytical study of the brake has allowed a first preliminary sizing. Through thesubsequent execution of an electromagnetic finite element model, created in ANSYS, it was possible toassess more accurately the distribution of the magnetic field inside the MR fluid and hence the resistance torelative motion between rotor and stator. The work needs an accurate optimization due to insufficient valueof the braking torque and high mass of the device.