CARY, N.C.--Oct 16--PRNewswire/AsiaNet World Class Museum of Science and Innovation in Japan Features MR Fluid Seismic Dampers From Lord Corp. Unique Earthquake Control Technology Part of Building Structure and Exhibit Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, an interactive museum featuring some of the world's most scientifically creative concepts, has been constructed with a unique earthquake control system that includes custom-designed magnetorheological (MR) fluid dampers developed by Lord Corporation. The MR seismic dampers also form part of the seven-story museum's exhibits. "You can see the structural braces throughout the building," said J. David Carlson, an engineering fellow with the Materials Division of Lord Corporation who designed the seismic dampers in conjunction with scientists and engineers at Sanwa Tekki, a Japanese engineering company. "It's part of the hands-on experience they've created for visitors." Lord's MR technology is magnetically responsive and controllable. MR is based on proprietary and patented formulations, damper, mount, brake and clutch designs and sophisticated computer control algorithms. When exposed to a magnetic field, MR materials change consistency from a fluid state to a near-solid state. The materials consist of micron-sized,magnetically active particles dispersed in a carrier medium. In the presence of a magnetic field, the particles align and resist flow, leading to high forces when required to move. The materials in MR particles respond to the applied magnetic field within milliseconds, allowing for real-time control of the fluid rheology. In a damper or shock, MR material replaces complicated valving to produce variable damping forces in direct proportion to the applied controlled current to the electromagnet in the piston. The system is simple in design and requires very little power. In the event of an earthquake, the dampers, drawing power from batteries, would be capable of sensing the amount of energy affecting the building and then responding continuously to dissipate energy before it reached destructive forces. Lord's MR damper technology also is being used in the Hunan Province of China, on a cable-stayed bridge to prevent cables from "galloping" due to wind and rain excitation. The company is working with customers throughout Asia on a number of other civil engineering and transportation applications for MR technology. The national museum in Tokyo, nicknamed MIRAICAN (www.miraikan.jst.go.jp),features experience-based exhibits on Earth Environment, Life Science, Innovation and Information Science and Technology. It's concept - Towards Resonance with Reality - encourages dynamic activities and hands-on interaction for visitors, scientists and engineers. "The museum is a place that is open to all, where science and technology are perceived as part of our culture," said Mamoru Mohri, an astronaut and directorof the museum. "It's a place where we can think about the role of science and technology in our society and the possibilities for the future." Lord Corporation is the world's largest supplier and commercial development leader in MR fluids, devices and systems. The Materials Division of Lord Corporation has worked with its partners to develop commercially successful solutions in such diverse applications as automotive primary suspension, vehicular steer-by-wire, pneumatic actuation and motion control, domestic appliances, and medical prosthetic devices. For more information about Lord MR applications visit: http://www.mrfluid.com Lord Corporation is a $420 MM privately held, diversified company that designs, formulates, manufactures and markets adhesives, polyurethane coatings, electronic adhesives and coatings; devices and systems to manage mechanical motion and control noise, and products and systems utilizing magnetically-responsive (MR) technology. Lord has three major operating divisions: Chemical Products Division, Mechanical Products Division, and Materials Division. The Corporation has plants in seven states, has facilities/operations in 10 countries and employs over 2,300 worldwide. World headquarters is in Cary, N.C. For Additional Information: Lynn Yanyo Lord Corporation 919-469-2500 x 2129 [email protected] Dan Headrick Lord Corporation 919-469-2500 x 2138 [email protected] SOURCE: Lord Corporation CONTACT: Lynn Yanyo, +1-919-469-2500, ext. 2129, or [email protected], or Dan Headrick, +1-919-469-2500, ext. 2138, or [email protected], both of Lord Corporation Web site: http://www.mrfluid.com