An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Magnetization Properties and Basic Electromechanics of Ferrofluids
Abstract
Ferrofluids are stable colloidal suspensions of sub-domain sized ferrite particles dispersed in a liquid medium by a suitable surfactant agent. Ferrofluids have been successfully prepared using water, hydrocarbons, esters, diesters, fluorocarbons, and even liquid mercury. Two applications showing considerable promise are ferrofluid rotary shaft seals and scrap metal separaters. Rotary shaft seals have been commercially available for several years. Basic research on the magnetization properties and the bulk response of ferrofluids to magnetic fields has been conducted to meet the needs of the developing technology of ferrofluids. From the fluid mechanical point of view, ferrofluids are novel because they can interact with a magnetic field to produce a controllable body force on the fluid, a body force significant with respect to terrestrial gravity. From the basic physical point of view, ferrofluids are interesting because of the mechanisms which are involved in the transformation of the forces on individual ferrite particles to the bulk of the liquid carrier. The research program was divided into studies of the magnetization properties, and the electromechanics and applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA046060
Entities
People
- D. A. Krueger
- T. B. Jones
Organizations
- Colorado State University