Semi-active vibration control of SiC-reinforced Al6082 metal matrix composite sandwich beam with magnetorheological fluid core

Dynamic characterization of silicon carbide particles reinforced Al6082 alloy metal matrix composite sandwich beam with magnetorheological fluid core is experimentally investigated. The study is focused on determining the effect of magnetorheological fluid core on the dynamic behavior of the sandwich structure. The magnetorheological fluid core is enclosed between the top and bottom metal matrix composite beams. The metal matrix composite beams are cast with silicon carbide particles in Al6082 alloy varying from 0 to 20 wt%. The magnetorheological fluid is prepared in-house and contains 30 vol.% carbonyl iron powder and 70 vol.% silicone oil. The free vibration test is conducted to determine the natural frequencies and damping ratio. It is found that the natural frequencies and damping ratio of the sandwich beams increased with an increase in the applied magnetic flux density. The experimental forced dynamic response of sandwich beams is carried out using sine sweep excitation. Vibration amplitude suppression capabilities of the sandwich beams subjected to varying magnetic flux densities are determined. The experimental forced vibration results reveal that metal matrix composite–magnetorheological fluid core sandwich beams have excellent vibration amplitude suppression capabilities.