Magneto-rheological directional control valve

The main part in hydraulic system is directional control valve. Directional control valve has complex construction such as moving spool to control the direction of actuator for required speed. Magneto-rheological (MR) fluid is one of controllable fluids. Utilizing the MR fluid properties, direct interface can be realized between magnetic field and fluid power without the need for moving parts like spool in directional control valves. This study proposes the design of four ways/three position MR proportional directional control valve (4/3 MR valve). The construction of valve and the principle of work are presented. Analysis for magnetic circuit and simulation for valve performance were done. The experiment was conducted to show the principle work of the valve functionally. Design and finite elements analysis using FEMM software of the MR valves were done to reach the optimal design. The valve works proportionally to control the direction and speed of hydraulic actuators. As the result, the optimal design of the valve achieved the optimum performance. The experimental result demonstrates the operation of 4/3 MR valve in 12 configurations. The 4/3 MR valve can replace many types of the spool directional control valve for controlling hydraulic actuator.