Magnetorheological fluid-controlled boring bar for chatter suppression

An innovative chatter suppression method based on a magnetorheological (MR) fluid-controlled boring bar for chatter suppression is developed. The MR fluid, which changes stiffness and undergoes a phase transformation when subjected to an external magnetic field, is applied to adjust the stiffness of the boring bar and suppress chatter. The stiffness and energy dissipation properties of the MR fluid-controlled boring bar can be adjusted by varying the strength of the applied magnetic field. A dynamic model of a MR fluid-controlled boring bar is established based on an Euler-Bernoulli beam model. The stability of the MR fluid-controlled boring system is analyzed, and the simulation results show that regenerative chatter can be suppressed effectively by adjusting the natural frequency of the system. Experiments in different spindle speeds utilizing a MR fluid-controlled boring bar are conducted. Under a 1 Hz square wave current, chatter can be suppressed, as evidenced by the elimination of chatter marks on the machined surfaces and the reduction in the vibration acceleration at the tip of the boring bar. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved