Large-scale MR fluid dampers: modeling and dynamic performance considerations

The magnetorheological (MR) damper is one of the most promising new devices for structural vibration reduction. Because of its mechanical simplicity, high dynamic range, low power requirements, large force capacity and robustness, this device has been shown to mesh well with application demands and constraints to offer an attractive means of protecting civil infrastructure systems against severe earthquake and wind loading. In this paper, an overview of the essential features and advantages of MR materials and devices is given. This is followed by the derivation of a quasi-static axisymmetric model of MR dampers, which is then compared with both a simple parallel-plate model and experimental results. While useful for device design, it is found that these models are not sufficient to describe the dynamic behavior of MR dampers. Dynamic response time is an important characteristic for determining the performance of MR dampers in practical civil engineering applications. This paper also discusses issues affecting the dynamic performance of MR dampers, and a mechanical model based on the Bouc–Wen hysteresis model is developed. Approaches and algorithms to optimize the dynamic response are investigated, and experimental verification is provided.