Comparative analysis of two magneto-rheological clutches with different geometric configuration

The paper focuses on the comparative analysis of two magnetorheological clutches with different geometric configurations. One magnetorheological clutch corresponds to cylindrical geometry (MRC-CG) while the second is selected with disk geometry (MRC-DG). Both experimental and numerical investigations are performed to determine magnetorheological clutch performances. The constructive solution is detailed for each magnetorheological clutch type. The numerical simulations are carried out to determine the distribution of the magnetic field. The magnetorheological clutch performances are investigated experimentally over a range of variable speeds between shafts from 50 rpm to 500 rpm. The torque for both geometric configurations is determined using the same magnetorheological fluid (MRF-132DG). The torque control range of the MRC-CG is limited by the response of the MRF to the variation of the magnetic field induced by the coil. MRC-DG covers a wider range of the torque control than MRC-CG due to the additional contribution of the gap geometry. MRC-DG provides twice the torque density of MRC-CG proving more compact solutions. The conclusions are drawn in last section.