Properties and application of magnetorheological fluids

Purpose: This paper presents basic properties of the magnetorheological fluids (MR) and their development in recent years. A variety of still growing practical applications in mechanical devices are presented. Design/methodology/approach: The theoretical research results of the properties and applications obtained in the past decades and progressed in recent years are reviewed. Findings: It is very clearly and well understood from the presented paper that replacement of the traditional devices with active, smart system better adapted to the environment stimulus are necessary. Many of them will include MR fluids as active component. Research limitations/implications: MR fluids with excellent properties can be applied in various fields of civil engineering, safety engineering, transportation and life science. They offer an outstanding capability of active control of mechanical properties. Practical implications: A very useful material for the engineers engaged in the design of brakes, dampers, clutches and shock absorbers systems. Originality/value: This article describes an up-to-date MR materials development and their application in civil engineering. The advantage of the smart systems over nowadays solutions becomes the direction of the researches and designing of 21st century devices.