9714334 Gordaninejad Innovative energy-absorbing protective systems are needed to enhance the safety of structures in the event of earthquakes, severe storms, and other natural man-made hazards. This project aims at the developing and implementing magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) dampers for protect of structures. The focus of the research will be on the proof-of-concept utilization of a novel MRF damper for seismic protection of buildings. MFR dampers are semi-active decides that contain magneto- rhelogical fluids. Initiation of the damper's built-in magnetic field causes a fast and dramatic change in the viscosity of MRF dampers contained in the damper. The fouled changes state from liquid to semi-solid in milliseconds. The result is an infinitely variable, controllable damper capable of very large damping forces. MRF dampers offer an attractive solution to seismic energy absorption in structures because they require minimal power for operation this can be battery operated. They are inexpensive devices to manufacture, utilize, and maintain which require no mechanical, valving and have large temperature tolerance and long operational life. The focus of this project is to develop controllable MRF dampers that can demonstrate the capabilities needed for protecting buildings under strong motions. The research tasks included: (1) Comprehensive theoretical and experimental studies for basic understanding of the behavior and identification of the proposed MRF dampers, (2) Design and development of MRF dampers for building applications. Issues of robustness, maintenance, aging, and heat transfer will be investigated, and (3) Proof-of-concept laboratory tests on several scaled building systems. To maintain and improve the present performance of structures under severe seismic excitations and/or storms, new or improved technology is a clear solution. The proposed MRF damper system will take advantage of the state- of-the-art in advancement of materia l s to produce a practical, efficient, and inexpensive protective system for seismic structures. Successful completion of the research will contribute to the understanding, development and utilization of innovative protective systems in the design of new and/or retrofit of aging structures.
