M. Whittle, R.J. Atkin and W.A. Bullough. Proceedings of the International Conference on Electrorheological Fluids, Yamagata, Japan (1997).

Dynamics of a Radial Electrorheological Clutch.

Abstract

Time dependent solutions to the equations of motion for flow in an enclosed radial electro-rheological clutch are developed and discussed in relation to the speed of operation.  The method follows a procedure previously developed for cylindrical clutch geometry but in this case analytical solutions are obtained.  The fluid is treated as a homogeneous continuum obeying the Bingham plastic constitutive equation incorporating a yield stress and viscous component.  The results show that the acceleration expected from a consideration of yield stress and inertia is not always achieved.  The viscous component places fluid dynamic restriction on the maximum acceleration of the output rotor.  However, this limit is only approached if the output load inertia is very low. The results have a bearing on the choice of fluid for high speed operation.

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