A new magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) washing machine damper and a novel two-way-controllable MRF valve

This study focuses on the theoretical analysis, design, fabrication and characterization of a Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid damper for a horizontal axis, front-loading washing machine. Controllability of the MR fluid damper allows adjustment of damping requirements for different cycles and helps reduce the noise at high speed spin cycle while limiting the tub motion at resonance. Test results of are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions and design values. Vibration of different locations on the washing machine is measured with MR dampers and OEM dampers and the results are compared.; In the second part of the study, an MRF valve comprising a permanent magnet is designed. With this valve, it will be available to cancel and add to the effect of the permanent magnet to have a softer or stiffer damper due to different conditions. Test results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.