Interface modeling of magnetorheological elastomers subjected to variable working strain

Abstract

A magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) is a type of particle–matrix composite material, whose properties depend on the strain to which it is subjected in different applications. This paper proposes an interface model in which the magnetorheological characteristics of an MRE are described in terms of the effect of variable strain on the strength of interfacial bonding between the particles and the matrix. The model can describe the whole process of interface change from a strong interface to a strong–weak mixed interface and then to a weak interface under variable strain. The results indicate that the combined effects of the magnetic flux density, particle content, and strain amplitude are responsible for the magnetorheological performance of the MRE. The maximum value of the shear modulus under large strain is decreased by 0.75 × 10⁵ Pa compared to the value under small strain. This model opens new opportunities for the development of high-performance MREs and MRE-based devices under variable strain conditions.