D evelopment and Testing of a Closed Loop Feedback Controlled Magnetorheological Fluid Anti-vibration Mount for Onboard Naval Applications

Abstract

An intelligent semi-active anti-vibration mount using a magnetorheological (MR) fluid is designed and developed for onboard applications. The mount consists of a load bearing elastomer, MR fluid chamber; MEMS based vibration sensor and a controller for closed loop feedback mechanism. The controller regulates the solenoid current in the MR fluid chamber, which in turn regulates the flow of MR fluid through the valve. Comparison of the performance of MR mount with a passive resilient rubber mount shows that the former provides 7 dB extra damping at resonance compared to the later and the isolation of MR mount starts at 10 Hz compared to 50 Hz by rubber mount. This mount can operate in real time, passive and active modes by using a closed loop feedback control mechanism. The efficacy of the mount for outdoor applications is evaluated by characterizing the mechanical, environmental, electrical and electromagnetic properties as per MIL-17185, JSS-55555 and IEC 61000 standards and found to be superior compared to passive mounts. The mount is being evaluated for onboard applications in INS Ranvijay.