Design and comparison of different Magneto-Rheological valves configurations

The proposed work discusses and compares different typologies of Magneto-Rheological (MR) valves. The analysis is performed following a design methodology which imposes the magnetic induction over the MR fluid surface and the maximum induction crossing the iron cores. Coil dimensioning is also considered as an important design factor. An analytical model is developed for each of the studied MR valve geometries and evaluation criteria as the volume to maximum sustainable pressure ratio, the dynamic range, the efficiency and the reactivity are used to compare the different valve designs. Annular configurations, radial valves and valves combining radial and annular channels are discussed and their performances are compared. As a final step, finite element analysis are performed for the different typologies considered in order to validate the results obtained from the derived analytical models.