Papers by Author: Xiao Rong Wu

Abstract: The objective of this study was to incorporate POSS-MA into the polymeric matrix to develop a new kind of nanocomposite. The effect of different weight percentage of POSS incorporated into the matrix on the mechanical properties was also evaluated. Infrared spectroscopic technique and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize their microstructures and double bond conversion. With only 2wt% POSS added, the nanocomposite’s flexural strength increased 15%, compressive strength increased 12%, hardness increased 15% and uncommonly, even the toughness of resins obviously increased. With 5wt% POSS polymerized, compressive strength increased from 192MPa to 251MPa and compressive modulus increased from 3.93GPa to 6.62GPa, but flexure strength began to decline from 87MPa to 75MPa. The nanocomposites incorporated with POSS showed greatly improved mechanical properties, and increased wear resistance and service life. The mechanism of reinforcement was also discussed.

Abstract: Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are suspensions of micron sized ferromagnetic particles dispersed in varying proportions of a variety of non-ferromagnetic fluids. MR fluids exhibit rapid, reversible and significant changes in their rheological (mechanical) properties while subjected to an external magnetic field. In this paper, a double-plate magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) clutch with controllable torque output have been designed. Electromagnetic finite element analysis is used to optimize the design of the clutch by using the commercial FEA software ANSYS.

Abstract: This work is the first step to develop a programmable tactile array based on ER/MR fluid technology. Prototypes of display incorporating controllable fluids such as electrrheological (ER) fluid or magnetorheological (MR) fluid have been developed and investigated. Surface force responses of these tactile displays under various electric/magnetic fields have been measured while a probe moving across the upper surface. As the applied external electric or magnetic field varied, the sensed surface profiles changed in synchronisation with the field strength. With the controllable fluid actuator, the displayed surface information is stable and repeatable.