University: Keio University

Faculty / Department: Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of System Design Engineering.

Group Name: Lab. for Manufacturing Science

Research Theme: Application of Electro-Rheological Gel to Precision Machine Elements

Brief Explanation: Electro-Rheological Gel (ERG) is a kind of functional materials whose visco-elastic property varies according to the applied electric field intensity. The aim of this research is to analyze the basic characteristics of ERG and to apply it to machine elements such as variable damper elements.

Research Steps:

1. Literature survey (one month)

2. Experimental analysis for basic characteristics of ERG (one months)

3. Design and trial manufacture of a ERG system (1.5 months)

3. Performance evaluation of the developed ERG system (1.5 months)

Period: 5 months

Necessary Background, Knowledge, Skills: Fundamental knowledge about machine elements, machine design and tribology.

Further Information: http://www.ina.sd.keio.ac.jp/2005/index.htm

Contact Person: Prof. Dr. Tojiro Aoyama (aoyama@sd.keio.ac.jp)