Damping properties and microstructure of magnetorheological composites based on iron sand and natural rubber

Abstract

Material with high damping capability is desired from the viewpoint of vibration suppression in structures. Rubber is by far the most commonly used material for damping; here damping relies on the energy absorbed due to viscous flow that occurs during deformation in this viscoelastic materials. However, enhancement of damping through rubber modification or rubber selection to increase viscous flow, not surprisingly, generally results in a reduction in stiffness and strength [1]. More recently, a new class of damping materials, magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) have been developed such that inclusion of magnetic particles in rubber enables additional damping through magnetic particle interaction and interfacial friction. Furthermore, damping and stiffness can be varied by application of an applied magnetic field during fabrication or in service. MREs can be utilised for damping, either alone or within a composite structure such as those including steel plates.