Jtam.dvi JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL AND APPLIED MECHANICS 47, 1, pp. 91-107, Warsaw 2009 FACTORS INFLUENCING LOAD TRANSMISSION THROUGH ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL CYLINDER CLUTCH Zbigniew Skup Warsaw University of Technology, Institute of Machine Design Fundamentals, Warsaw, Poland e-mail: zskup@ipbm.simr.pw.edu.pl This paper discusses the influence of factors shaping electrorheological characteristics of a clutch. Dependencies on the torque transmitted by the output shaft of the clutch were determined for various rhelogical models. The main part of the work is devoted to rheological model- ling of the electrorheological cylinder clutch. The discussed rheological models include: visco-plastic and visco-elasto-plastic Bingham models, visco-elasto-plastic Gamota-Filisco, and Li models. The research stand and possible tests are described. The remaining part of the work discus- ses electrorheologicalcharacteristicsof theERfluid.Moreover,directions for further research on the laboratory stand designed and made by the author were formulated. Key words: rheological models, electrorheological cylinder clutch, elec- trorheological fluids, dynamic viscosity, test stand 1. Introduction Developments in the material engineering have resulted in access to newma- terials and new possibilities related to their application in various machine designs and constructions. Electrorheological fluids have already been applied to a range of industrial goods. They are used in clutches, brakes, mechanical screwdrivers, elastic blocks, torsional dampers, shock absorbers, high voltage feeders, valves, changeable module beams, servo-mechanisms, and hydrokine- tic torque converters. Electrorheological fluids have been specifically studied and applied in the design and construction of machines only in the recent two decades. Applica- tion of such fluids makes it possible to easily control the viscosity coefficient through changes in the electric field in which the fluid is placed. It allows one 92 Z. Skup to easily adjust the damping coefficient in a dynamic system, for example in a power transmission system (Coulter et al., 1993; Don and Coulter, 1995; Gamota and Filisco, 1991; Kęsy et al., 1997; Lee et al., 1999; Li et al., 1997; Ławniczak and Milecki, 1999; Weiss et al., 1992). Therefore, such fluids have the potential to be widely used in different fields. Fundamental studies focus on power consumption (supply voltage 1-6kV, current intensity 5-25µA/cm2, supply power 10 to 100W), heat exchange, temperature rise and technical so- lutions. Problems that occur there are related to electric power supply (very high constant voltage, current breakdowns), temperature increaments (double increase of voltage with every increase of temperature by 10-12◦C), sensitivity to contamination of ER fluids. Current breakdowns cause disappearance of electric field at the electric field intensity E > 5kV/mm. Electrorheological clutches with ER fluids have very low residual torque, unlike electromagnetic (EM) or magnetorheological (MR) clutches, which is important for many applications. A change of the torque transmitted by an ER clutch is made by a change of the supply voltage, which results in the change in the intensity of the electric field, and consequently, in the viscosity of the working fluid. ER fluids are incompressible, non-combustible, usually non-toxic or only slightly toxic, and they do not corrode.The effect of variable properties of ERfluids can be achieved formanymixtures of different oils and powders; however, the best properties are achieved for suspended polymers in silicon oil (Coulter et al., 1993; Conrad, 1993; Gavin, 2001; Inoue et al., 2002; Li et al., 1997; Weiss et al., 1994). An ER fluid of density of 1.06g/cm3 is a suspension ofmolecules of 1 to 100µmin size. Themolecules are graphitoidal, ceramic (silicone dioxide), and the polymers are in the form of a suspension in silicon ormineral oil. Technology of producing polymer-based fluids is very complicated. An ER fluid named the FL-Fluid, which is based on polymers, may be applied in a range of temperatures from −40 to 200◦C. An ER fluid named the FL-Versa, which is mainly composed of linseed oil and limewater, has a smaller operating range from 10 to 90◦C, but is considerably cheaper. FLfluids have the following properties: incompressible, non-toxic, they change from fluid to solid in around 0.001s. An increase in temperature causes an increase in density of the current, but it also lowers the dynamic yield point. Depending on the shape of the working surface, there are two types of designs for clutches and brakes, i.e. disk-shaped and cylindrical. The two types of ER fluids most frequently used in clutches and brakes (Don and Coulter, 1995; Gamota and Filisco, 1991; Kęsy et al., 1997; Li et al., 1997; Weiss et al., 1994) are diphase and monophase (homogenous) flu- ids. Diphase fluids have the form of ”suspensions” of dielectric molecules in Factors influencing load transmission... 93 non-combustible fluids that exhibit reversible changes in rheological reaction when placed in an electric field (Don and Coulter, 1995; Gamota and Filisco, 1991; Weiss et al., 1994). The fluid phase is often achieved with silicon oil (Conrad, 1993; Li et al., 1997; Ławniczak and Milecki, 1999), which does not conduct electric current, and the solid phase ismade by easily polarisedmine- ral molecules, organic ones or polymers 2 to 10µm wide, under the influence of an electric field. The presence of an electric field makes the polarised solid molecules join and form chains that inhibit movement of the fluid (Fig.1). Fig. 1. Scheme of the ER fluid structure without (0V) and with source of an electric field (400V) Monophase fluids aremore rarely used than diphase ones due to their very high cost. In ER fluids brought under the influence of an electric field of 1kV up to 5kV/mm, the shear stress τ ranges from 0.5 to 10kPa. Diphase fluids also contain stabilising substances that inhibit sedimentation of the solidphase due to the operation of centrifugal forces as well as inertia and gravitation. The percentage share of the solid phase is 60% to 85% in terms of weight and 20% to 40% in terms of volume. Monophasefluids are ”liquid crystals” forwhich the increase of shear stress (increase of the viscosity of the ER fluid) under the influence of an electric field is caused by a change in the orientation of the molecules in relation to the direction of the flow of the fluid. As a result of the electric field operation, an ERmaterial transforms from the fluid to gel. Inmonophase fluids, adverse phenomena (coagulation, sedimentation, electrophoresis, mutual abrasion of the molecules) related to the presence of solid molecules do not occur. 2. Factors influencing rheological characteristics Based on the results of the tests, characteristics will be determined in order to assess load transmissions on the output shaft of the tested clutch. The 94 Z. Skup experiments will differ depending on many factors and parameters that may be enumerated in two groups. The first group includes the following: • type of the ER fluid used, • geometrical parameters of the ER clutch, including above all the diame- ter and length of the rotor in the clutch, • means of realisation of the flow of the ER fluid, • type of the material used in the rotor electrode, • size of the gap through which the ER fluid flows. The second group includes the operating parameters, namely: • voltage of the current flowing through the fluid in the gap, • size of the anode surface, • rotational speed of the rotor, • working temperature of the fluid. All of the above-mentioned factors essentially influence the rheological cha- racteristics that illustrate the properties of the clutch. Comprehensive and consistent solution to the two groups of problems can ensure proper operation of equipment with no breakdowns. 3. ER clutch structure for different rheological models The fundamental issue in designing a power transmission system containing an ER clutch is the value of load transmitted in the form of torque depending on the shear stress τ. The value of τ depends on the type of ER fluid, power supply, conditions in which the clutch works as well as the design. In practi- ce, the Bingham theoretical model (Kamath et al., 1996) is most frequently assumed for analytical considerations (Fig.2). In considerations related to the flowofERfluids, an assumption of laminar movement (flow) is made (Coulter et al., 1993; Kamath et al., 1996; Li et al., 1997). The source of supply for the clutch is an external one, generated by a constant (DC) or changeable (AC) source of voltage U, as shown in Fig.3. The ER fluid is treated as a Newtonian fluid. If the ER fluid is placed under the influence of an electric field, then the Bingham plastic model is assumed for the modelling. Interaction of the electric field makes the ER fluid in the preliminary phase – as linear strain increases – react as a solid. It starts to Factors influencing load transmission... 95 Fig. 2. Shear stress as a function of strain speed for the plastic Binghammodel ”flow” when the shear stress τ between the layers of the fluid exceeds the threshold stress τ0. For a Newtonian fluid, τ is proportional to the speed of the linear strain (speed of shearing of the ER fluid layer) γ̇ = dγ/dt. The proportionality can be illustrated by the coefficient of dynamic viscosity µ, which has the form of the product of the coefficient of kinematic viscosity ν and density of the fluid ρ. Fig. 3. Scheme of the power supply and geometric parameters of the ER clutch Thus: — for τ < τ0 (Newton model) τ =µγ̇=Gγ (3.1) and (see Fig.2) µ= νρ= f(E) µ=arctanα (3.2) — for E = const, T = const and τ > τ0 (Bingham’s plastic model) τ =µγ̇+ τ0 (3.3) 96 Z. Skup where: γ is the linear strain of the fluid, G – elasticity coefficient, τ0 – thre- shold shear stress (yield point), T – working temperature of the ER fluid E= V h = RI h = RρF r0−rw = 2πravlRρ r0−rw rav = r0+rw 2 (3.4) where: h = r0 − rw denotes the thickness of the layer of the fluid (Fig.3), l is the width of the gap between the rotor and clutch shell of the fluid, R – electric resistance, I – current intensity, F – shear surface of the ER fluid, r0 – internal radius of the clutch shell, rw – external radius of the rotor in the clutch (Fig.3), rav – average radius. The dependence τ = f(γ̇) is called the rheological characteristic of an ER material. In the case ofmonophase fluids, τ =0 (for γ̇=0and τ0 =0), while in diphase fluids τ = τ0 (γ̇=0). 3.1. Visco-plastic Bingham model Identification of parameters of a clutchwith an electrorheological fluid can be carried out based on different rheological models. Rheological models for electrorheological (ER) fluids are combinations of elements constituting per- fect rheological bodies joined together indifferentways.They representperfect elastic bodies as in Hooke’s law. Springs are characterised by elongation that is proportional to the applied force. They perfectly illustrate plastic proper- ties of a St. Venant’s body symbolically represented in the form of slip in dry friction conditions. They represent properties of a perfectly viscous Newto- nian fluid (viscous damper). It is assumed in the literature on ER fluids that mechanical properties can be properly represented by a model constructed from two or three above-mentioned elements that are properly joined toge- ther. Visco-plastic rheological Bingham’s models are discussed for example in papers Gamota and Filisco (1991), Kamath et al. (1996), Weis et al. (1994), and visco-elasto-plastic Bingham’s models of bodies are presented in papers Gavin (2001), Kamath et al. (1996), Weis et al. (1994). The structure of both models is shown in Fig.4. In themodel shown inFig.4a, the element representingmoment of friction is joined parallely with the linear viscous damper. The torque transmitted by the output shaft for a non-zero value of speed can be described with the following dependence M =Mc sgnϕ̇+ cϕ̇ (3.5) where: Mc is the moment of viscous friction of the perfectly viscous New- tonian fluid or moment of friction of the perfectly plastic St. Venant’s body Factors influencing load transmission... 97 Fig. 4. Rheological structure of an ER clutch for Bingham’smodels: (a) visco-plastic model, (b) visco-elasto-plasticmodel (Fig.4b), ϕ – displacement in the form of an angle of torsion, ϕ̇ – speed of the displacement, c – damping coefficient. 3.2. Visco-elasto-plastic Bingham’s model of a body Visco-elasto-plastic Bingham’s model of a body illustrated in Fig.4b can be described as follows M =    Mc sgnϕ̇+ cϕ̇1+k(ϕ1−ϕ2) for |M|>Mc k(ϕ2−ϕ1) for |M| ¬Mc (3.6) Bingham’s visco-elasto-plastic model of a body differs from the visco- plastic model in the presence of an additional spring that represents spring properties of a Hooke’s body. For big stresses, Bingham’s model represents properties of anERfluid,while for small stresses themodel reacts like a solid. In the case of a torque not exceeding the value of themoment of static friction, the presented moment shows only a twist of the spring. Therefore, we have complete analogy to a solid. When the external moment exceeds the value of the St. Venant’s moment of static friction, we observe simultaneous twisting of elements representing visco-plastic properties of the body, and the model will start to ”flow”. The ”flow” phenomenonwill take place when there exists a yield point and will occur in the moment when the shear stress τ reaches the threshold shear stress τ0. For stresses τ below the yield point, the fluid maintains properties of a viscous-elastic body.Therefore, in the case when the shear stress τ in the Bingham model is smaller than the threshold stress τ0, the equation of state takes a form analogous to equation (3.1) describing the properties of an elastic body. When the stresses τ in the Bingham model exceed stresses τ0, then the state of stresses can be described with equation (3.3). 98 Z. Skup 3.3. Visco-elasto-plastic Gamota-Filisco model Therheologicalmodel proposedbyGamotaandFilisco (1991) (Fig.5) is an enhancement of the visco-plastic Binghammodel (Fig.1a). The design of this model is based on the basic Binghammodel of a body as a visco-plasticmodel that is enriched with elements in series representing visco-elastic properties of a Newtonian fluid. These properties appear in the form of a Kelvin-Voigt’s body with additional elastic properties in the form of a Hooke’s body. Fig. 5. Rheological structure of an ER clutch for visco-elasto-plastic Gamota-Filisco’s model In thismodel, the torque transmitted by the output shaft of the clutch can be described as follows: — for |M|>Mc M = c1ϕ̇1+Mc sgnϕ̇1+ c2(ϕ̇2− ϕ̇1)+k1(ϕ2−ϕ1)+k2(ϕ2−ϕ3) (3.7) or M = c1ϕ̇1+Mc sgnϕ̇1 = c2(ϕ̇1− ϕ̇2)+k1(ϕ1−ϕ2)= k2(ϕ3−ϕ2) (3.8) — for |M| ¬Mc, ϕ1 =0 M = c2ϕ̇2+k1ϕ2+k2(ϕ2−ϕ3) (3.9) or M = c2ϕ̇2+k1ϕ2 = k2(ϕ3−ϕ2) (3.10) where: c1, Mc are parameters representing damping and moment of friction in Bingham’s model, c2, k1 – parameters describing damping and stiffness of Kelvin-Voigt’s model (of the body), k2 – stiffness of the spring in Hooke’s model (of the body). When |M| ¬ Mc, then ϕ1 = 0, and then the value of the moment of friction Mc related with stress in the ER fluid is bigger than themoment M on the output shaft, which means that the shaft remains still. Factors influencing load transmission... 99 3.4. Visco-elasto-plastic Li’s model Visco-elasto-plastic properties of an ER fluid are suitably represented by amore sophisticated model proposed by Li et al. (1997), as shown in Fig.6. Fig. 6. Rheological structure of an ER clutch for visco-elasto-plastic Li’s model Themodel is composedof twobasic parts characterising thehysteresis loop in the form of a preliminary and final course. In the first part of the model, the course of the function is represented by a combination of Kelvin-Voigt’s model composed of thedamper c1 and spring k1 with aperfect elasticHooke’s body (spring k2) andan element that is representedby the staticmoment Ms. The total moment M consists of Ms and a moment Mν resulting from the cooperation of visco-elastic properties of the structure of elements of the first part of the model (Fig.6). The total moment generated by the structure can be described as follows M =Ms+Mν (3.11) where Mν = k1k2 k1+k2 ϕ+ c1ϕ̇ (3.12) Thus Ṁν + k1+k2 c1 Mν = k1k2 c1 ϕ+k2ϕ̇ Ṁν = k1ϕ̇ (3.13) The secondpart of theLimodel is represented by aviscous damper c2, a body with the moment of inertia J and themoment of friction Mc. Therefore Jϕ̈+ c2ϕ̇+Mc sgnϕ̇=M (3.14) 100 Z. Skup 4. Calculation of torque transmitted by the tested ER clutch In order to calculate the torque transmitted by an ER clutch, its rheological characteristic is necessary. Such a characteristic can be determined by means of appropriate laboratory tests. The means for determination of rheological characteristics have notbeennormalised so far.Experimental testing is onway to find the dependence between the results of measured parameters (width of gap, size of electrodes, work conditions, power supply) determined in different ways. The findings are still ambiguous, see e.g. Coulter et al. (1993), Gavin (2001), Li et al. (1997), Weiss et al. (1994). In an ER clutch, there are several elements joining the drive and driving part through the ER fluid, bearings, seals, additional frictional elements. The total torque M transmitted by theER clutch can bedetermined from the sum of partial torques, i.e. M =MER+Mtl+Mtu+Mk (4.1) thus MER =M− (Mtl+Mtu+Mk) (4.2) where: MER is the torque transmitted by the ER fluid, Mtl – friction to- rque transmitted by bearings, Mtu – friction torque transmitted by seals, Mk – friction torque transmitted by the brush and commutator. Fig. 7. Main parameters for ER clutch calculations The torque MER transmitted by theER clutch (Fig.7) can be determined from the following relationship MER =Fravτ (4.3) where: ω1 denotes the angular velocity of the driving part of the clutch, ω2 – angular velocity of the driven part of the clutch. Factors influencing load transmission... 101 Having taken into account the following F =2πravl rav = r0+rw 2 (4.4) the below-specified dependence can be derived from formulas (4.3) and (4.4) τ = 2MER πl(rw+r0)2 (4.5) For ω1 =ω2 =ω, in accordance with papers byCoulter et al. (1993), Kamath et al. (1996), Ławniczak andMilecki (1999) γ̇= ωrav h = πnrav 30h = πn(rw+r0) 60(r0−rw) h= r0−rw (4.6) Finally, the following can be derived from formula (4.3) with the use of for- mulas (4.4) and (4.6)1 MER = π2r3avlµn 15h +2πr2avlτ0 (4.7) where: n is the rotational speed of the rotor [rpm], ω – angular velocity of the rotor [rad/s]. The shear stress τ0 occurring in formula (4.7) can be experimentally de- termined from a graph showing the torque as a function of the rotational speed. In the case ofmodelling rheological properties of theERfluidwith formula (3.1), the following parameters have to be assumed in equation (3.3): τ0 =0, µ = µp (µp – apparent viscosity coefficient, plastic viscosity), then equation (4.7) assumes the following form MER = π2nµpr 3 avl 15h (4.8) For ω1 > ω2 in accordance with (Coulter et al., 1993; Kamath et al., 1996; Ławniczak andMilecki, 1999) γ̇= ω1r0−ω2rw h (4.9) TheER fluid, which is under the influence of the electric field, is a Bingham’s fluid. It makes it possible to use dependence (3.3) for calculations of τ. If we substitute formulas (3.3), (4.4)1 and (4.9) to equation (4.3), we obtain MER = 2πr2avlµω1(r0− ikrw) h +2πr2avlτ0 ik = ω2 ω1 (4.10) where ik is the kinematic ratio. 102 Z. Skup Whennoelectric field is applied to theERfluid (τ0 =0) (Newton’smodel), then the first components appear in formulas (4.7) and (4.10)1. When the electric field does operate (Bingham’s model), then the sum of components appears in these formulas. 5. Measurement system in the ER clutch test stand A scheme of the mechanical structure andmeasurement system of the proto- type test stand for an electrorheological clutch filledwith anERfluid is shown in Fig.8. Fig. 8. Scheme of mechanical structure andmeasurement system of the test stand for an ER clutch: 1 – asynchronousmotor, 2 – driving wheel, 3 – motor skid plate, 4 – torquemeter contact clip, 5 – torquemeter, 6 – spring collet, 7, 11 – bearing’ shells, 8 – belt pulley, 9 – temperature sensor, 10 – tested ER clutch, 12 – rotational speed sensor, 13 – driven wheel, 14 – test stand base, 15 – PC computer with AC/CAmeasurement card, 16 – high voltagemodule, 17 – high power generator, 18 – frequency converter, 19 – electric wiring for asynchronousmotor supply, 20 – electric wiring forMC digital meter, 21 – electric wiring for high voltage module (16) from high power generator (17), −V,+V – special high voltage electric wiring for ER clutch supply (−mass wire, +supply wire), LK – control lamp, W – switch Factors influencing load transmission... 103 The ER clutch is composed of two basic elements in the form of loosely joined cylinders of different diameters. Themain elements are: the rotor con- stituting the anode and the shell constituting the cathode (Fig.3).These parts are electrically isolated one from the other and joined with poles of continu- ously regulated high voltage with the maximum power of 38W. The source of high voltage is composed of high power generator (17) and high voltage module (16) with digital voltage meter (MC). Double conductor (20) feeds the digital voltage meter (MC) built into (16). The source of supply for (MC) is in (17). The alternating voltage signal from (17) is transmitted to (16) by conductor (21). TheERfluid is placed in the gap ofwidth hbetween cylinders (Fig.3). The diameter of the internal part of the shell (cathode) is 104mm; and the cathode is 150mm long. The external diameter of the isolated collet of the rotor (anode) has 100mm, and its width (thickness of the ER fluid) between the cylinders is h=2mm. The tested ER clutch is driven by an asynchronous motor (1) with power of 1.5kW, fed from frequency converter (18). The frequency converter (con- troller) with a built-in PID regulator makes it possible to change rotational speed of the motor shaft or to maintain it within a precisely specified range. Rotational speed is regulated by a potentiometer built into the system – it allows for continuous regulation of the rotational speed. The rotor of tested ER clutch (10) is joined with torque meter (5) with spring collet (6), while the output shaft of the torque meter is permanently fixed to the test stand base (14) with contact clip (4) of torquemeter (5). Based on the preliminary results of tests, the following range of parameters was assumed for further testing: rotational speed up to 1200 rotations per minute (ω∼=1201/s) due toworking temperature of the clutch, supplyvoltage up to 3kV due to potential breakdowns, volume of the fluid – 102µl in order not to exceed the maximum power of the high voltage feeder. In the course of experimental tests carried out on the laboratory stand, the following ismeasured: braking torque M of rotor (5), supply voltage U of clutch (10), rotational speed n (12) of the drive part (ER clutch shell) as well as temperature of the ER fluid, clutch shell (10) and bearings (7,11). Tem- perature of the shell is measured with a thermo-vision camera. Temperature measurements for the shells of the rotor bearings are realised with built-in thermocouples. After one hour and a half of the test stand operation, a steady state occurs for temperatures in the whole kinematic chain of the cooperating elements. Measurements are taken for the specific temperature of the fluid, constant supply voltage of different values for different values of angular ve- locity. The results of the measurements are registered on the PC computer 104 Z. Skup equippedwith anAC/CAmeasuring card. Different ER fluidswith basic pro- perties specifiedbyamanufacturer canbeused in the tests.The shear stress τ, shear speed γ̇ and current intensity per millimeter-thick layer of the fluid at an appropriate voltage E can be assumed based e.g. on papers Coulter et al. (1993), Don andCoulter (1995), Lee et al. (1999), Li et al. (1997). The tested ER clutch is shown in Fig.9. Fig. 9. Tested electrorheological clutch The test stand is shown in Fig.10. Fig. 10. Test stand While selecting an ER material, we assume such a value of the shear stress τ0 or apparent viscosity µp so that to avoid electric breakdown and not to exceed acceptable power of high voltage feeder Pmax. In order to avoid Factors influencing load transmission... 105 breakdowns, the type of ER fluid and the value of supply voltage must be matched with the width of the gap and the surface of the electrodes. In this case, the surface of the electrodes is equal to the external surface of the cylin- der of the rotor (shear surface of theERfluid). The average density of current ρ= 15µA/cm2, supply voltage U = 2.8kV, length of the rotor l =150mm, external radius of the rotor rw =50mm. Maximum power provided can be determined from the following formula Pmax =UI =UρF =2πrwlρU ∼=20W (5.1) The current density decreases as the shear speed increases. It increases as a result of rising temperature of the ER fluid. A chemical product – electror- heological (ER) fluid LID 3354S made by Smart Technology LTD, England, Birmingham – was applied for mechanical testing. This ER fluid is made up of 23% silicone oil, 37.5% lithium salt of resorcional/formaldehyde polymer, 39.5% chloro-fluoro-polymer. The characteristics of this fluid are shown in Fig.11. Fig. 11. Shear stress versus electric field Its physical properties are as follows: density 1.46 · 103kg/m3, viscosity 110mP.sec at 30◦C, current density 5µA/cm2, boiling point > 200◦C, flash point > 150◦C, freezing point −20◦C. It is insoluble in water, and it does not attack elastomers. 6. Conclusions The results of experimental tests make it possible to: • assess the applicability of ”intelligent” ERfluids in view of requirements that such fluids need to meet 106 Z. Skup • estimate capability of external load transmission and determine the in- fluence of temperature on that transmissibility • evaluate accuracy of the technical solution, especially leak tightness, and resistance tobreakdowns related toERfluidsaswell as isolation elements in the test stand, plus limitations on resistance tomotion anddurability. The obtained results will constitute the basis for introducingmodifications to the existing solutions and applying them in practice to different mechanical systems. Based on analytical considerations and experimental tests on the prototype ER clutch, appropriate conclusions will be formulated. References 1. Conrad H., 1993, Electrorheological fluids: characteristics, structure andme- chanisms FED, electrorheological flow,ASME, 164, 99-113 2. CoulterJ.P.,WeissK.D.,CarlsonJ.D., 1993,Engineeringapplicationsof electrorheologicalmaterials, Journal of IntelligentMaterial Systems and Struc- tures, 4, 248-259 3. Don D.L., Coulter J.P., 1995, An analytical and experimental investiga- tions of electrorheological material based adaptive beam structure, Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 6, 846-853 4. Gamota D.R., Filisco F.E., 1991, Dynamic mechanical studies of electror- heological materials moderate frequencies, Journal of Rheology, 35, 399-425 5. GavinH.P., 2001,Annular Poiseuille flow of electrorheological andmagnetor- hological materials, Journal of Rheology, 45, 4, 983-994 6. InoueA., RyuU.,Nishimura S., 2002,Caster-walkerwith intelligent brakes employing ER fluid composed of liquid crystalline polysiloxane,Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Electrorheological Fluids and Magne- torheological Suspensions, Nice, France, July 2001,World Scientific Publishing Co., 23-29, 2002 7. KamathG., HurtM.,Wereley N., 1996,Analysis and testing of Bingham plastic behavior in semi-active electrorheological fluid dampers, Smart Mate- rials and Structures, 5, 5, 576-590 8. Kęsy Z., Kęsy A., Madeja J., 1997, Identification of hydrodynamic torque converter controlled by physical roperties of working fluid, International Con- ference ”Modern Practice in Stress and Vibration Analysis”, Dublin 9. Lee U., Kim D., JeonD., 1999,Design analysis and experimental evaluation of an ER andMR clutches, Journal of Intelligent Materials and Structures Factors influencing load transmission... 107 10. Li W.H., Wang X.J., Tang X., Zhang P.Q., 1997, Generalized analysis of channel flow of ER/MR fluids through complex geometries,Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Electrorheological Fluids, Magnetorheological Suspensions and Their Applications, Yonezawa, Japan, 347-355 11. Ławniczak A., Milecki A., 1999, Ciecze elektro- i magnetoreologiczne oraz ich zastosowanie w technice, Wydawnictwo Politechniki Poznańskiej 12. Weiss K., Carlson J., Nixon D., 1994, Viscoelastic properties of magne- to and electrorheological fluids, Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 5, 772-775 13. Weiss K.D., Coulter J.P., Carlson J.D., 1992, Electrorheological mate- rials and their usage in intelligent material systems and structure, Part I, II; Mechanisms, Formulations and Properties,Proceedings of the Recent Advances in Adaptive and Sensory Materials and their Applications, C.A. Rogers and Lancaster, Technomic Publishing Company, Inc., 1-17 Czynniki wpływające na przenoszenie obciążenia przez elektroreologiczne sprzęgło cylindryczne Streszczenie Wartykule omówiony jestwpływczynnikówna charakterystyki reologiczne sprzę- gła. Dla różnych modeli reologicznych określono zależności na moment przenoszony przez wał wyjściowy sprzęgła. Główna część pracy poświęcona jest reologicznemu modelowaniu elektroreologicznego sprzęgła cylindrycznego. Do omawianych modeli reologicznychwłączono: lepko-plastyczny i lepko-sprężysto-plastycznymodel Bingha- ma, lepko-sprężysto-plastycznymodelGamota-Filisko i Li.Opisano układpomiarowy stanowiska badawczego i jego możliwości badawcze. W pozostałej części pracy omó- wiono charakterystyki płynów elektroreologicznych ER. Wyznaczono także kierun- ki przyszłych badań na stanowisku laboratoryjnym zaprojektowanym i wykonanym przez autora . Manuscript received June 26, 2008; accepted for print October 2, 2008