9313897 Conrad The project aims to investigate two key issues of the behavior of electrorheological (ER) fluids: the effect of particle clustering in columns as compared to single row chains, and the relationship between the flow stress and the current density. The experiments on particle column clustering will be performed with a pendulum balance. An attempt will be made to relate the observed macroscopic behavior to particle arrangement, as well as to specific atomic, ionic, and electronic mechanisms. The research will be carried out within the NCSU University-Industry Consortium on ER Fluids which includes Texaco R&D, Bridgestone-Firestone Research Laboratory, and Paar Physica, and in collaboration with Ford Motor Company. Cooperative Research Project (IUCRP), in response to the announcement on Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI). If successful, the proposed project on ER fluids will have applications in the development of flexible operated machines in manufacturing, auto industry, textile, and materials handling. ***
