Scientists at IIT Patna, Bihar, have built a hybrid magneto-rheometer, with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), to advance research on magnetorheological (MR) fluids and smart materials.
The device measures flow, deformation, friction and wear of MR fluids under combined compression and shear. MR fluids change viscosity in a magnetic field and are used in brakes, clutches, shock absorbers, dampers, actuators and medical devices, with applications in healthcare, aerospace, defence and automation.