Development and modelling of an electro-magnet for magneto-rheological fluid experimental studies

• Main Authors: Emagbetere, Eyere, Oghenevwaire, Iyabo Seyefa, Oyekale, Joseph Oyetola, Samuel, Olusegun David, Enweremadu, Christopher Chintua, Abam, Fidelis, Setiyo, Muji
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ammeters; Circuit design; Circuits; Dynamic characteristics; Electromagnets; Magnetic effects; Magnetic fields; Magnetic flux; Magnetorheological fluids; Potentiometers; Rheological properties; Rheology; Rheometers; Solenoids
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0120840

Due to their potential applications in different areas of engineering, research into the development of improved Magnetorheological fluids (MRF) has increased. Developing novel MRF requires the use of magneto-rheometers which have a special ability to induce a magnetic field. Since the number of magneto-rheometers available limits MRF research, there is a need to develop a device that can be used to induce a magnetic effect on MRF, allowing the use of conventional rheometers for characterizing MRFs. This work is aimed at developing an electromagnet suitable for inducing a preset magnetic field on MRFs for rheological assessments. The electromagnet design incorporates a solenoid and a solenoid driver for controlling the generation of magnetic field intensity. The solenoid driver is designed by constructing a linear electric circuit capable of producing a maximum current of 3A and 12V DVC. The solenoid generates a magnetic field which can be varied by varying the current (0-3A) on the solenoid driver with the aid of a potentiometer since current [I] and magnetic field intensity [B] are directly proportional. An ammeter-voltmeter was integrated into the electromagnet system to display the amount of current and voltage flowing to the solenoid. The electro-magnetism of the device was modelled for possible scaling up as suitable. The theoretical, experimental, and simulated results show a strong correlation, and experiments proved that the electromagnet is useful to alter and test the dynamic characteristics of MR fluids.