Experimental and numerical investigation on damping properties and energy dissipation mechanisms of magnetosensitive rubber

This study presents both numerical and experimental investigation on damping properties and energy dissipation mechanisms of magnetosensitive rubber (MSR). Representative volume element (RVE) including particles and matrix was built and periodic boundary condition (PBC) was applied. Various sinusoidal loads, with different frequencies, were applied to RVE under external magnetic field. Considering interaction and complex mechanisms in multi-physics field, finite element method (FEM) based on magneto-mechanical coupling algorithm was adopted. MSR samples were fabricated by aligning iron particles with millimeter level diameter in silicone rubber matrix. The correctness of the numerical method was verified by comparing the results of simulation and quasi-static load test. Dynamic experimental measurement was conducted in material test system. The results demonstrate that the damping properties of MSR are influenced by magnetic induction density and frequency of sinusoidal load. Energy dissipation mechanisms of MSR were explored.