Experimental characterization and performance benchmarking of magneto-rheological fluids for automotive brakes

Magneto-rheological (MR) fluids are smart materials that can change from liquid to semi-solid when exposed to a magnetic field. This property is useful for creating advanced devices like brakes and clutches. This paper addresses a gap in research by comparing different benchmarking methods for MR fluids. We analyse five commercially available MR fluids to identify key performance indicators for automotive braking applications. The study involves rheological tests to measure flow characteristics, scanning electron microscopy to analyse particle structure, and sedimentation tests to evaluate long-term stability. By correlating the fundamental properties of these fluids with the demands of braking applications, this work aims to establish a standardized framework for selecting the optimal MR fluid for a specific use case. This framework provides reliable data that can be integrated into simulation environments for virtual testing and validation.