Experimental characterization and evaluation of magnetorheological clutch for an electric two-wheeler application

This work makes an effort to explore a magnetorheological clutch (MRC) prototype for a two-wheeled electric vehicle owing to its quick response, accurate torque transmission control by varying the magnetic field; and electro-mechanical interface. A design variation 'MRC with-slits' is proposed to enhance the torque transmission capacity and compared with `MRC without-slits'. The torque transmitting capability of the MRC with and without-slits is evaluated analytically and experimentally with respect to input parameters viz. current and speeds. The rise in torque transmission due to the presence of slits and thermal behavior is validated experimentally. Correlation and uncertainty analysis are used to confirm the findings. The weight and size of the MRC remains a major challenge for its successful integration with a two-wheeled electric vehicle application.

Automated summary

This study explores a prototype of a magnetorheological clutch for a two-wheeled electric vehicle, which provides quick response, accurate torque transmission control, and an electro-mechanical interface. The research evaluates the torque transmission capability of MRC with and without slits in terms of input parameters analytically and experimentally, confirming the increase in torque transmission and thermal behavior due to the presence of slits. However, the weight and size of the MRC remain a major challenge for its successful integration with a two-wheeled electric vehicle application.