What is a magnetorheological fluid?

Magnetorheological fluid is a fascinating intelligent fluid with the ability to switch back and forth from the liquid to almost solid under the influence of the magnetic field. It is usually used for applications when braking. The term "magnetorheological fluid" comes from a combination of magneto, , which means magnetic and reo, prefix to study the deformation of matter under applied stress. Magnetorheological fluids are currently not used, but are considered a futuristic type of material.

The way of operation of magnetorheological fluid is simple. Magnetorheological fluid consists of micrometer ferromparticle, particles such as iron that respond to the magnetic field, suspended in an oil -based medium. When the magnetic field is influenced outside, the particles float freely, causing the material to behave like any colloidal mixture such as milk. However, when the magnetic field is on, the ferroparty is aligned in the vertical strings of the along line of the field flow, limiting the flowOK of fluid and increases the viscosity up to a weak plastic.

Because the power of magnetorheological fluid comes from aligned ferroparticles, which only make up a minority of the overall mixture, there are some limits as strong, but a significant difference between "off" and "he" causes it attractive to use in different applications where conventional brakes are ineffective. Usually, magnetorheological fluid is maintained between two small plates, just a few millimeters apart, maximizing the brake characteristics of the mixture. The system must be arranged so that the magnetic flow line perpendicular to the direction of movement to be stopped.

For a circular movement, one of the best target applications, imagine a beam rotor that rotates freely in a magnetorheological fluid. When therotor must be stopped, a number of small magnets produce a magnetic flow line that radiate from the center rotor and create a riverFerromparticle in the medium like rays pointing from the sun. These rays catch rays and slow them radically. Although the beams break the aligned particles, the persistent magnetic field, they will make them level quickly, ready to capture another incoming spoken. This arrangement provides a powerful rotary brake.

Research groups examine other possible applications for magnetorheological fluid, such as body tingling that are flexible, but quickly become rigid when contacting an incoming bullet.