Effective permeability model of magnetorheological fluids and its experimental verification

The effective magnetic permeability of magnetorheological fluids (MRF) is one of its most important material parameters. It determines the computational accuracy of many material and mechanical models of MRF. In this study, a theoretical model applicable to the calculation of the effective permeability of MRF is proposed based on the Maxwell–Garnett mixing rule. The calculation method of the average magnetic field of the dispersed phase and continuous phase in MRF was improved in this model. The concept of multiple magnetization between adjacent particles is introduced based on the particle morphological characteristics of MRF. To verify the accuracy of the theoretical model, a uniform magnetic field generator is built to measure the effective permeability of MRF with different concentrations. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model can effectively predict the permeability of MRF in different magnetic fields. The main reason for the model error is the neglect of the variation in particle microstructure. •The permeability model of MRF is proposed based on the Maxwell–Garnett mixing rule.•The concept of multiple magnetization between adjacent particles is introduced.•The model improves the computational accuracy of the average magnetic field of MRF.•The model can effectively predict the MRF permeability in different magnetic fields.