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Magnetic Fluid Art

Posted by timothy on from the mindcandy dept.

Big Dave Diode writes: "Fero magnetic powder dissolved in a solvent and manipulated by electromagnets makes for some keen 3D shapes. Boy, physics is fun." These are really very pretty shapes; I wonder what other uses there are for magnetic micropowder dissolved in solvent.

4 of 18 comments (clear)

  1. Educational use by Yazeran · · Score: 3, Interesting
    Apart from the pretty pictures and funny shapes, fluid like this can be used in education. Children can play with the shapes and at the same time learn something about magnetism (and not only electromagnets will create these shapes), ordinary permanent magnets works just as good. In some instances better, as you cna make multipolar permanent magnets, which makes for some pretty interesting shapes in such fluid.


    Yours Yazeran


    Plan: to go to mars one day with a hammer.

  2. Other uses... by Muad'Dave · · Score: 2, Interesting


    ...include electrically-actuated clutches in cars. Traditionally, magnetic clutches consisted of steel disks brought together (rather abruptly) by an electromagnet. To provide a smooth, wear-free power transfer, electro-rheological materials (that change viscosity with an applied electric field) where used, but had issues of their own. These magnetic particles could provide a viable answer.

    --
    Tiller's Rule: Never use a word in written form that you've only heard and never read. You will end up looking foolish.
    1. Re:Other uses... by Gordonjcp · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Actually, ferro-magnetic fluid clutches were used in cars in the 1950's by (iirc) Austin. The biggie was that the electromagnets used a horrendous amount of power, and very quickly killed the relatively weak dynamo-powered electrical systems.

      Probably, an alternator-powered system would work a bit better.

  3. Virtual Sensation suit by coldfire · · Score: 2, Interesting

    You could build an interesting virtual reality immersion suit with this. A double layer suit with this between the layers and an array of electromagnets on the outside of it could give and interesting mix of tactile sensations. Or a really good back massage.