About:
Development of anisotropic hybrid magnetorheological elastomer-fluid as semi-active vibration isolator, this research focuses on developing and dynamically evaluating an anisotropic hybrid magnetorheological elastomer-fluid (MRE-F) material for use as a semi-active vibration isolator. The primary objective is to enhance vibration control capabilities by combining the field-dependent mechanical properties of MREs with the damping benefits of enclosed fluids, forming a novel hybrid material system with tunable stiffness and damping characteristics.
This study's significance lies in its contribution to smart material systems that offer real-time adaptability under dynamic excitation. Traditional MREs provide stiffness tunability under magnetic fields, but the integration of a fluid phase introduces additional energy dissipation mechanisms. This hybridization aims to overcome limitations in damping performance observed in conventional MREs, enabling improved isolation in structural and mechanical systems exposed to varying vibration environments.
The methodology involves synthesizing anisotropic hybrid MRE-F samples by aligning magnetic particles under a uniform field during curing, then embedding the elastomeric matrix with a compatible damping fluid. The fabricated samples are integrated into a sandwich plate structure and evaluated using a modal shaker setup under harmonic excitation. The excitation is applied near the corner of the plate to activate multiple vibration modes, while the isolator is placed under the plate’s center to target peak displacement regions. A coupled experimental-numerical approach is adopted to analyze the system's frequency response and field-dependent behavior.
Key achievements include successful material fabrication and experimental validation, which have shown significant improvements in vibration isolation performance under applied magnetic fields. The hybrid system demonstrated tunable natural frequency shifts and enhanced damping ratios compared to traditional MREs. These results indicate the hybrid MRE-F’s strong potential as a semi-active isolator in aerospace, rail, and civil engineering applications, where adaptive vibration suppression is critical for structural integrity and performance.
Scientific or Technical Area:
Engineering Science – Smart Structures and Materials
Project Timeline:
March 2024– March 2025
Main Objectives of the Project:
- To develop an anisotropic hybrid magnetorheological elastomer-fluid (MRE-F) material
- To investigate the static and dynamic properties of the hybrid MRE-F sample under different magnetic field intensities.
- To validate the effectiveness of the hybrid MRE-F damper in attenuating vibrations through experimental testing using a constrained aluminium plate setup.
Anticipated Impact and Relevance:
This project advances scientific knowledge by developing an innovative anisotropic hybrid magnetorheological elastomer-fluid (MRE-F) material with tuneable mechanical properties for semi-active vibration control. Uniquely, it can function as a passive damper without power and uses only a small external power input to adjust damping properties, significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Societally, it addresses the need for safer and more resilient infrastructure by minimizing harmful vibrations that lead to structural damage and discomfort. Environmentally, the improved vibration isolation reduces maintenance and material waste, supporting sustainable engineering practices.
This contributes to longer service life for engineering structures and enhances user comfort and safety in environments ranging from buildings to vehicles.
Aligned with Qatar Vision 2030, this research supports Qatar Vision 2030 by helping grow knowledge and new ideas through smart materials technology. It also helps to develop skilled young researchers by involving them in advanced material studies.
Supervisor(s) Details:
- Full Name: Dr. Asan G.A. Muthalif
- Job Title/Position: Professor
- Department or Unit: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
- Institution/Affiliation: Qatar University
- Email Address: drasan@qu.edu.qa
Team Members Involved:
Eng. Hammam Mahmoud Ananzeh, lab engineer, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.
Associated Resources or Publications :
Hammam. M Ananzeh, Rahizar Ramli, Sabariah Julai, and Asan G. A. Muthalif. 2024. "Mechanical Properties Comparison of Isotropic vs. Anisotropic Hybrid Magnetorheological Elastomer-Fluid" Polymers 16, no. 9: 1215 https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091215
Picture of the Prototype:
