20130147095 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING A MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL ELASTOMER - Disclosed is a method and electromagnetic device for manufacturing an anisotropic magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) with an improved magneto-rheological effect. The electromagnetic device includes upper and lower electromagnets, and a test piece located therebetween. The upper and lower electromagnets are configured to apply a magnetic field of variable strength, which may be controlled by current applied from a power controller, to the test piece in a desired direction or orientation. More specifically, the device is designed in such a manner that carbonyl iron powder (CIP) (magnetic-responsive particles) dispersed in a magneto-rheological elastomer using natural rubber as a matrix can be oriented in the application direction of the magnetic field. A MRE produced by the method and electromagnetic device of the invention prevents formation of bubbles within a test piece, thereby improving the arrangement/orientation of CIP with the matrix. | 06-13-2013 |