Innovation Starts Here
“I wanted to do something innovative and different. So I asked Prof. Mohantanty what we could do, and just like that, we were off and rolling” stated Mohammed Bazzi, leader of the Nanotech team.
Bazzy brought together a hand picked team of students of varying backgrounds, three ME’s, a CE and an EE. The students, all undergraduates, quickly researched MR products on the market. “We were pouring over every document we could find.” Responsibilities were delegated and each student had the opportunity to lead the group during a phase of the project. Engineer Mo Bazzy was the overall team leader, responsible for timing, budget, and lead the dynamic force analysis. Nasser H Nasser (ME) led the fluid modeling and the CAD modeling team. Magnetic flux design and was completed by Robert Sanchez (EE) and David Sherman (ME). R Sanchez also developed a computer simulation to optimize flux performance. Once the design was finalized, dimensions were then released to fabrication manager D. Sherman, who found suppliers and oversaw prototype construction.
“It was quite an ambitious project”, remarked Bazzy. “We had to build a bridge between Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. This was new territory for all of us.”
How Does it Work?
The “secret” behind the brake is the fluid. MR fluid is actually a solution of tiny ferrous (iron) particles suspended in a carrier fluid. Normally, the particles are randomly distributed as they flow along inside the fluid. However, when exposed to a magnetic field, this distribution changes. The particles align themselves along the magnetic flux lines, forming columns that inhibit the flow of the carrier fluid. “The result is a fluid that normally flows like a SAE motor oil, but becomes, thick and viscous (like peanut butter) when exposed to a magnet.” said David Sherman.
This design employs experimental nano scale ferrous particles. Smaller than standard MR particles, nanotechnology allows for both quicker response and improved heat management. The smaller particles do not become trapped by grain boundaries. The brake is “powered” by an electromagnet. Finite element analysis was used to predict the magnetic flux path. Computer Controls add a layer of flexibility, allowing varying brake events, including ramps, pulsing and varying slip speeds.
The brake is based on ongoing research at the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Nanotechnology Lab, led by professor P Mohantany. Professor N. Nattu advised the electrical engineering team.The project was developed as part of the Capstone Senior Design Program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Here students are given the opportunity to plan, design and execute an engineering project, before they graduate. The nanotech team is part of a new “interdisciplinary” initiative, mixing engineers of dissimilar degrees in one team to develop a new innovative product.