Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) are smart materials whose mechanical properties, like their modulus and elasticity, can be controlled by an external magnetic field. This feature has resulted in a number of novel applications, such as adaptive tuned dynamic vibration absorbers for suppressing unwanted vibrations over a wide frequency range. MRE-based devices operate in different modes, such as shear mode and squeeze mode; however, the study of mechanical performances of MREs under squeeze mode is very rare. This article aims to investigate MRE performances under both shear and squeeze modes. Experimental studies and simulations were conducted to analyze the MR effect in both modes. These studies indicate a different working frequency ranges for both modes. In a case study, a MRE-based vibration absorber was built up in a simulation and its mechanical performances were analyzed, which demonstrated good capabilities in reducing vibrations.

This paper presents the study of rheological and mechanical properties of MR elastomers fabricated using small and large particle. Analysis indicated that MR elastomers fabricated with bimodal particles at a specific particle ratio ingredient show enhanced MR effect compared with those fabricated with monoparticles. MR elastomer samples were fabricated by using small and large particles with sizes of 5m and 50m respectively. Their rheological and mechanical properties were characterized with a MR rheometer. Experimental results agree well with the analysis.

This paper presents fabrication and characterizing of a new functional material, magnetorheological shear thickening fluid (MRSTF), by mixing micron-sized magnetizable particles with nano-sized silica particle based shear thickening fluid. Dynamic properties of the MRSTF were characterized by using a parallel-plate rheometer. The effects of steady-state shear rate and magnetic field on MRSTF rheological properties were addressed. The suspension shows an abrupt increase in complex viscosity beyond a critical dynamic shear rate and a magnetic field controllable characteristic, as well as reversible.

This paper presents both theoretical and experimental study of particle motion in a typical interdigitated electrode array. Both finite element method and numerical simulation were performed to predict the movement of particles. The simulation results indicated that the particle motion and separation behaviors strongly depend on the combined contributions of a number of parameters, such as the frequency of the electric field, applied voltage, dielectric properties of the particles and the surrounding medium.