Electro-Rheological

[Malfunkshun]

Where can I find Electro-Rheological fluids? I'm trying to make a electronical lock out differential for my little truck.

[Adanmtxt1]

You're joking.... right? Several car companies have been working on that technology for their shock absorbers for years, and that is with many different and successful individuals working on it with very high budgets, with some of the best resources available. Now, I'm not saying that you couldn't do it, but.... wait... yes I am...:D

I apologize, but the likelihood of even developing the electrorheological fluid is farfetched, let alone developing a diff case and the requisite components (both electronic, computer, and physical). It is not exactly the type of stuff you can just grab off shelves like shock fluid.

Now, what people CAN do is develop a servo-actuated system that pushes / pulls a pin within the diff case to remotely lock the differential. That is a very feasable design that you could fabricate and perfect! There is also a rock-crawling design called a 'dig' that completely disengages the differential in its entirety as well.

Hope this puts your hope in a more realistic perspective, and good luck with your adjustable diff! :)

[Malfunkshun]

Well, from what I've been reading there are fully functional products for industrial use. The automotive industry is something else.

[balang_479]

Its been around for a couple of years actually Adam... The new Audi TT has it.

And im sure that if you looked you could find someone who could supply you with some..

[Adanmtxt1]

Its been around for a couple of years actually Adam... The new Audi TT has it.

And im sure that if you looked you could find someone who could supply you with some..

Ya, I am aware of that. You see, sometimes you have someone ask whether it is realistic to put a gargantuan engine into a small platform, or a rediculous number of cells and high-power motors into a particular chassis, or a conversion, or some really wild stuff. But *this*, this is way over the top. I suggested a simpler method, a more realistic one. But c'mon... Even if he somehow came upon the fluid, first it would be most likely be prohibitively expensive, and second, even if he had it... what would he do with it? Try designing a system that could actually produce the e-field in a confined space, one that is safe, one that works, and then one that is remotely controllable. Have fun with that.

[balang_479]

yeah i see hed need a massive battery maybe even a transformer and a variable resistor to alter the power output, thinking about it, it is no waya feasable thing. It would do more damage than good.