Design and analysis of magnetorheological fluid brakes based on orthogonal test methods
YANG Guangxin
WANG Fei
ZHOU Long
WANG Daoming
Abstract：[Objective]Aiming at the structural parameter optimization demand of magnetorheological fluid(MRF)brakes for electric vehicles,the influence law of key structural parameters on braking performance was clarified,and the optimal parameter combination was obtained to provide support for its design and engineering application.[Methods]Firstly,based on the analysis of factors affecting braking performance,three key factors including brake gap width(h),number of brake disks(n)and outer radius of brake disks(R2)were selected.Secondly,with viscous braking torque,normal braking torque and maximum braking torque as evaluation indexes,an L16(43)orthogonal test was designed.Then,numerical simulation and range analysis were carried out using Matlab/Simulink software.Finally,a prototype was fabricated and test verification was completed.[Results]Test results show that,in the absence of a magnetic field,the viscous braking torque is mainly affected by the brake gap width;after applying a magnetic field,the number of brake disks is the primary influencing factor,followed by the outer radius of the brake disks.Under the optimal parameter combination(h=1.5 mm,n=4,R₂=75 mm),the normal braking torque is about 68 times the viscous braking torque,and the maximum output braking torque reaches 240.3 N·m when the input current is 2.1 A.Stepless regulation of braking torque could be achieved by adjusting the magnetic field strength.
Keywords：Magnetorheological fluidBrakeBraking performanceOrthogonal testNumerical simulation
Publication Date：2026-01-15
Online Publishing Date：2026-09-12(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：8( 32-39 )