ABSTRACT Klingenberg CTS-9401293 This is an experimental project on electrorheological (ER) fluids, where the use of surfactants is suggested to increase the fluids yield stress durability. A systematic study will be undertaken to characterize the ER systems, test their steady-state rheological and dynamic oscillatory responses, and identify possible mechanisms in the presence of surfactants. Modeling efforts will be pursued to guide the experiments. If successful, the proposed research program may lead to improved ER fluids at a reduced cost, for a variety of applications from locomotive industry to sensors. Another objective of the project is to reduce the environmental impact of those fluids after their use.
