The present study aims to investigate the dynamic performance and design optimization of a novel magnetorheological elastomer based adaptive tuned vibration absorber (MRE-ATVA). The proposed MRE-ATVA consists of a light-weight sandwich beam treated with an MRE core layer and two electromagnets installed at both free ends. Three different design configurations for electromagnets are proposed. The finite element (FE) model of the proposed MRE-ATVA and magnetic model of the electromagnets are developed and combined to evaluate the frequency range of the absorber under varying magnetic field intensity. The results of the developed model are validated in multiple stages with available analytical and simulation data. A multidisciplinary design optimization strategy has been formulated to maximize the frequency range of the proposed MRE-based ATVA while respecting constraints of weight, size, mechanical stress, and sandwich beam deflection. The optimal solution is obtained and compared for the three proposed ATVA configurations. The optimal ATVA with a U-shaped electromagnet shows more than 40% increase in the natural frequency while having a total mass of 596 g.
Keywords: adaptive tuned vibration absorber; magnetorheological elastomers; multidisciplinary design optimization; smart sandwich beam.