Plenary Talk 01 - From Jacob Rabinow to David Carlson and Beyond: A Walk Down the MR Fluid and Devices History Lane

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What:
Talk
When:
8:20 AM, Tuesday 8 Jul 2025 (40 minutes)
Where:
MB-9 Conference Centre
Themes:
SpeakerIn-person

Speaker: Prof. Mehdi Ahmadian, Virginia Tech, United States

Chair: Dr. Ramin Sedaghati

Abstract: This presentation strolls down the magnetorheological (MR) fluids and devices memory lane by exploring their scientific and commercial progress from their discovery by Jacob Rabinow in 1948 to today. It recites some of the earlier MR patents in clutches and brakes to their reincarnation in the early 1990s, led by David Carlson. Dave's somewhat one-man effort to lead the crusade for convincing his employer, Lord Corporation, and the rest of the scientistic community to invest in and explore MR fluids is assessed. His efforts led to the rekindling of interest by the broader intelligent fluids and devices community to study, improve, and invent a new generation of MR fluids during the past two decades, which is also reviewed. Reflecting on some of the recent developments, the presentation provides a glimpse into some of the future discoveries in MR fluids and devices.

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