ER inserts for shock wave reduction in structures

This paper demonstrates the possibility of the shock wave reduction of ER insert in structures. ER (electrorheological) fluid is a smart material of which stiffness and damping properties can be controlled by applying electric field. When an ER fluid is inserted into a structure and an appropriate magnitude of electric field is applied, propagating waves can be selectively isolated. To experimentally verify the shock wave reduction, an ER insert is made in an aluminum plate and two piezoceramic disks are used as transmitter and receiver for the wave transmission test. By applying an electric field to the ER insert, the transmitted wave is reduced. This measured wave reduction is compared with the predictions of transient finite element analysis. Since the use of ER inserts has merits in terms of light weight and controllability, this technology can be used for many applications, for example, dash panels for vehicles, interior trim panels for aircraft, impact resistance system for civil and warship structures.