Parametric investigation of twin tube magnetorheological dampers using a new unsteady theoretical analysis

In the present work, a new unsteady analytical model is developed for magnetorheological fluid flow through the annular gap which is opened on the piston head of twin tube magnetorheological damper, considering fluid inertia term into the momentum equation. This new unsteady model is based on Stokes’ second problem that is extended for magnetorheological fluid flow between finite oscillating parallel plates under the pressure gradient. A quasi-static analysis is also developed for magnetorheological fluid flow in twin tube damper, to compare its results with present unsteady solution and to show the effect of magnetorheological fluid inertia. The obtained results are validated experimentally and then, a parametric study is presented using both unsteady and quasi-static analysis. The effect of fluid inertia term is investigated on force–displacement and force–velocity loops, magnetorheological fluid velocity profile, pressure drop, phase difference between pressure drop and flow rate and change of plug thickness with time duration. According to the obtained results, quasi-static analysis included considerable error respect to new unsteady analysis as the gap height, magnetorheological fluid density, excitation frequencies and amplitudes are increased and yield stress is decreased. It is found that the plug thickness is considerably affected by inertia term of magnetorheological fluid.