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Magneto/Electro-Rhological (MR) Fluids go from fluid to solid with magneto/electro input.

How It Works:
         When exposed to an electrical and/or magnetic field, MR Fluids undergo changes in rheological properties including viscosity, plasticity, and elasticity. This occurs because the MR fluid contains micron-sized dielectric particles suspended in a nonconductive base medium. These changes are reversible.

A QuickTime movie showing use of some MR Fluid (produced by a MR Fluid manufacturer and distributor) can be seen at: A QuickTime movie showing use of some MR Fluid (produced by a MR Fluid manufacturer and distributor) can be seen at: http://www.rheonetic.com/video/fluiddemo.mpg

Examples of Applications and Links:
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• MR Damper in Cadillac controls the stiffness/cushioning nature of the ride in a car. Called Delphi Magnaride, serves as an active suspension. Active Clutch Mechanisms are also being developed, along with position and velocity control, force-feedback and tactile feel control. See this web link for more information on each of these, and more: http://www.rheonetic.com/rheonetic_applications.htm
• Artificial Limbs - Damper allows patient to adapt to various gait conditions (walking to running to tiptoeing). A knee damper is shown at: http://www.rheonetic.com/prosthetic_applications.htm
• Telerobotic Surgery (Intuitive Surgical, "DaVinci System" at Ohio State) - Problem: during surgery, surgeon cannot "feel" patient to differentiate between soft and rigid flesh. Solution: Add MR Fluids with force feedback loops so surgeon can help distinguish between tissue types. Although MR Fluids aren't discussed at this site, more information can be found on the surgery and robot at: http://www.cmis.ohio-state.edu/davinciTM.htm
• Seismic and Wind Mitigation devices - MR Fluids reduce the negative impact of strong winds and earthquakes, by producing dampening for buildings and bridges. For more details: http://www.rheonetic.com/seismic_mitigation.htm
• Noise reduction by use of a friction damper created with MR Fluids - For more information: http://www.rheonetic.com/washing_machine.htm

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