Electrorheological fluid composite structures

Abstract

Controllable electrorheological fluid composite structure elements incorporate electrorheological fluids as a structural component between opposing fluid containment layers to form at least a portion of any variety of extended mechanical systems such as plates, panels, beams and bars or structures including these elements. The electrorheological fluid is operatively contained in a region between the containment layers and has complex shear and tensile modulus properties which vary with the electric field applied thereto. A variable power source is utilized to create an electric potential between the layers of the structure element to create the electric field. An alternative power source may include the use of a piezoelectric material layer. In order to maintain the insulation and spacing between the containment layers, a fabric or separating layer having an open mesh is provided which permits the transportation of electrorheological fluid in the region between the layers. Multiple layers and regions are contemplated including orientation orthogonally to the long axis of the structure to take advantage of the elongational modulus of the fluid. The composite structures of the present invention may be incorporated in a wide variety of mechanical systems for control of vibration and other properties.