A study on the novel linear actuator using MR fluid

A new MR cylinder with built-in valves using MR fluid (MR valve) is proposed for fluid power control systems. The MR or Magneto-Rheololgical fluid is a newly developed functional fluid whose obvious viscosity is controlled by the applied magnetic field intensity. The MR cylinder is composed of cylinder with small clearance and piston with electromagnet. The differential pressure is controlled by the applied magnetic field intensity. It has the characteristics of simple, compact and reliable structure. The size of MR cylinder and piston has ${\varphi}$60mm${\times}$259mm and ${\varphi}$58mm${\times}$136.5mm in face size respectively and 0.8mm in gap length. Through experiments on the static characteristics, it is found that the differential pressure is controlled by the applied magnetic field intensity under little influence of the flow rate, which corresponds to a pressure control valve. Effectiveness of the MR cylinder is demonstrated through the position control of one link MR manipulator.