Abstract

Structural control is considered as a subject for solving the seismic force challenge
on the structure. Adjustment of earthquake forces using dampers has a long history, but
over time, more sophisticated control systems have become more noticeable. The semi-
active control system consists of a combination of active and passive control systems,
while it has the reliability of the passive systems also has the ability to change the
characteristics like the active system, however, the breadth of the technology of these
devices is much more than the examples of applications in Iran. Semi-active dampers
are one of the most appealing tools in this area due to their capabilities. The purpose of
this study was to investigate semi-active damper, build and test it. The MR damper, as
an example of a semi-active damper in the passive phase and in its active phase,
provides a suitable response and, among the tools used in the building industry of Iran,
is an appropriate option. The MR damper consists of a fluid that with magnetic field
increases the resistance of the damper layers, which defines the behavior of the active
phase of the damper and can enter a proper response to a structure in a control system.

In this study, the formation of the fluid, based on the research background and
some of the samples made, is carried out with iron carbonyl compounds, silicone oil,
and Aerosil powder. The generated MR fluid is tested in rheology to obtain its general
rheological behavior. Then, to investigate its behavior in the laboratory, by simulating
the discussion under the influence of the magnetic field, a damper sample was designed
and constructed, at various frequencies, without fluid and with the MR fluid. Afterward,
the results of the experiment were examined with different perspectives. Finally,
according to the data collected in the laboratory, it is clear that the MR damper at various
frequencies can withstand, by increasing the magnetic force on the fluid generated by
the variable electric current, to withstand frictional and viscoelastic forces. It has been
shown in this experiment that at different frequencies the damper's behavior has a
similar course of increase in damping coefficient. Also, with increasing vibration
current, the displacement range of the dipper is reduced, which shows the matching of
the results of the fluid test with the dynamical test of the damper.

Keywords: Control Systems, Semi-Active Control System, Damper, MR fluid,

MR damper