Development of multiple-disk brake element using electro-rheological gel

Electro-rheological gel (ERG) is a functional elastomer, which changes its surface adhesive property according to the intensity of electric field. In this study, ERG is applied to multiple-disk brake element to realize both simplification of structure and wide range of controlled brake torque. First, static performance of ERG multiple-disk brake (ERG-MDB) is evaluated experimentally. It is clear that a generated brake torque depends on an electric field and the number of layer of ERG. ERG-MDB with 6 layers shows 5 times brake torque as high as that with 1 layer. Second, considering the dynamical model of the ERG-MDB, dynamic performance is investigated through the forced vibration test. The result shows that dynamic damping and stiffness coefficients are changed widely according to applied electric field.