DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF FLOW BASED ELECTRO-RHEOLOGICAL DEVICES

Abstract

The foundations for the design of electro-rheological (ER) actuating devices that use Poiseuille flow are laid. Systems of measurement to assess ER fluids are described including a high pressure flow apparatus. This was used to examine alternative valve geometries and fluids. A method is shown for the reduction of basic flow data to excess shear stress and shear rate. Standard actuator arrangements are reviewed before the design of a flying control surface servomechanism is discussed. The evaluation of this validates the methods and indicates that the forces developed are within striking distance of those required for operational systems.