Abstract
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This paper presents a concept design of Adaptive Tuned Vibration Absorber (ATVA) using
a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) for powertrain transient vibration reduction over a frequency
range. The MRE material used to develop the ATVA is a soft MRE whose components are a rubbery
silicone polymer matrix and ferrous fillers in fraction of 27.6% by volume. For such a soft MRE the
elastic modulus significantly increases due to an external magnetic field. During the transient stage,
the powertrain experiences a period of high level vibration because the engine speed passes through
one or more its natural frequencies. By using the MRE-based ATVA, the powertrain natural
frequencies can be actively tuned either far away the excitation frequency or passed the excitation
frequency rapidly as magnetic field speed rather than mechanical manners. Accordingly, global and
local tuning methods were proposed for shifting powertrain frequency. Thus, the powertrain transient
response could be reduced significantly. Numerical simulations of a powertrain system fitted with the
ATVA are used to validate the ATVA proposed design for the transient stage. The obtained results
show that when the ATVA is suitably located and properly controlled, the powertrain natural
frequencies are shifted away the excitation frequency so that powertrain transient vibration response
is significantly suppressed. Also, the effect of ATVA locations to its effectiveness is examined. The
ATVA experiment testing will be our next work.