Tunable elastic stiffness with microconfined magnetorheological domains at low magnetic field

Surface micropatterning enhances the interfacial sliding resistance of magnetorheological fluid at low magnetic field (10-35 mT). Fluid is confined to surface microchannels, resulting in the formation of spatially aligned magnetic domains. The channels are supported by a pair of overlapping ribbons, which, along with the surrounding fluid, are enclosed in a soft elastomer. The embedded elastomer represents an electromagnetic alternative to current methods of active stiffness control that are based on principles of gel hydration, particle jamming, and pneumatics. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3503969]