Rotational inertia is the force which prevents the movement of a rolling or spinning object. Research to be conducted uses electrorheological (ER) fluids along with computerized control systems to alter the rotational inertia of a wheel. By doing so the wheel and its load (an automobile, for example) can instantly change its speed by electrically altering the rotational inertia of the wheel. The objectives of this investigation are: (1) control the rotational inertia of a wheel by controlling a fluid inside the wheel using valves which are electrically operated by electro- rheological fluids, and (2) quantify the efficiency in terms of energy use and speed of a computer control version to estimate its range of real world applications. Controlling the direction of the fluid throughout the wheel would entail an extensive system of valves and hydraulics. In this experiment, ER fluid valves will be positioned throughout the interior cavity of the wheel. In this manner a microprocessor-based digital/analog control system can electrically operate the ER valves.
