Magnetorheological Elastomers for Tunable Vibration Absorbers: Modelling, Fabrication and Experimental Characterization

This project focuses on the comprehensive study, modelling, and application of Magnetorheological Elastomers (MREs), aiming to significantly advance the field of dynamic vibration absorbers with tunable stiffness. The research is structured around three key interlinked aspects: mathematical modelling and numerical simulation, material fabrication and characterization, and prototyping of an MRE-based vibration absorber. Theoretical and Computational Novelty The primary theoretical contribution involves a novel derivation of the governing equations of magnetoelasticity using the virtual power principle. Inspired by the framework of Desimone and Podio-Guidugli, this formulation uniquely and explicitly accounts for both self- and part-wise magnetic interactions within a single, unified continuum, resulting in more general pointwise balance equations. Building upon this, the work develops an advanced model for anisotropic magneto-viscoelastic laminates. Leveraging a laminate homogenization technique, the model efficiently connects the microstructural characteristics of the MRE to its macroscopic, time-dependent, and field-responsive behaviour, providing a physically grounded alternative to prevalent phenomenological models. Experimental Validation and Application The project includes a robust experimental program focused on the synthesis and characterization of MRE samples. Mechanical testing protocols (static and dynamic shear tests) are employed to validate the theoretical models and to optimize material candidates with tailored properties, such as enhanced magnetically tunable stiffness and damping for vibration mitigation. The final contribution is the development of a multi-layered MRE-based vibration absorber prototype. By creating and testing a digital twin of the damper, the work demonstrates the device's potential to exploit the MRE's field-responsive mechanics for adaptive and semi-active performance. This design enables the effective frequency range of vibration absorption to be extended beyond current commercial standards. In summary, this research delivers a rigorous, generalized theoretical framework for magnetoelasticity and successfully translates this knowledge into a validated, practical design for an MRE-based adaptive damping device.