It is what helps athletes with disabilities stay stable as they snowboard and ski. And now it is being used in the new Ford Mustang for a better driving experience.
For amputees who have lost a leg above the knee, magnetorheological fluid (MRF) enhances artificial knee joints so they better absorb impacts and enables them to react more quickly following a high-impact landing.
The use of MRF in Mustang’s MagneRide (a trademarked technology of BWI Group) suspension shock absorbers, or dampers, ensures the car is fun to drive and has a smooth, refined ride. Sensors monitor road conditions and electromagnets control iron particles suspended in oil within the shock absorbers. The magnetic field is automatically adjusted 1000 times per second to align the particles in individual dampers, so they are firmer for sharp cornering or softer for more comfortable cruising.
“Athletes compete in extremely challenging conditions where control is everything. Similarly, with Mustang, MagneRide helps drivers to react to changing conditions in real time by delivering exactly the right response for each situation,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe.
The sleeker, faster and more technologically advanced new 2018 Ford Mustang features more athletic styling, is offered with a 5-litre Ford V8 engine that delivers 450bhp and can cover 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds.
Check out the Mustang-inspired ice cream sandwich called Orange Fury.
