A Study on the Tribological Characteristics of a Magneto-Rheological Elastomer

Abstract

Research on the applications of magneto-rheological (MR) elastomers in mechanical engineering has greatly expanded, whereas the performance of MR fluids in tribology has rarely been investigated. In this study, the tribological characteristics of an MR elastomer are identified in order to improve tribological performance with the activation of a magnetic field. Microscopic changes in the surface and in the MR particles are investigated. The friction and wear of an MR elastomer is measured using a pin-on-disc tester under applied and unapplied magnetic fields. In addition, the linear sliding friction of an MR elastomer with respect to different velocities and loads is measured using a linear sliding tester.