Analysis of a combined clutch with an electrorheological fluid

Abstract

Abstract The article introduces the structure and results of experimental research concerning a specifically constructed combined clutch with an electrorheological (ER) fluid, controlled by changing the strength of electric field. The clutch consists of over a dozen parallelly connected hydraulic clutches with ER fluid. The purpose of the experimental research is to identify the steady-state and dynamic characteristics which are vital in the construction process of the combined clutch, including the selection of the control system. Depending on which singular clutch of the combined clutch construction is the one where the electric field is generated, an increase or decrease of the torque value is obtained.