Wednesday, July 6, 2011

What You Should Know Before Making A Ferrofluid Purchase

Many parents dread the thought of having to help their child out with a science fair project.  Some think the whole process is boring, while others feel uncomfortable with their scientific knowledge.  However, this is the wrong attitude to have, especially around an impressionable child.  If a particular idea seems boring, parents should consider something else.  Creating experiments with Ferrofluid is an example.  With just one Ferrofluid purchase, your perceptions of science experiments will change forever.  Both you and your child will have the time of your life studying this unique substance.


Unlike other forms of matter, Ferrofluid is both a solid and a liquid.  And since it is made of metal, it can hold a variety of unusual shapes. Color-wise, it is usually black, though you can add dyes to change its hue.   Either way, a very small amount of the substance is needed for a typical science experiment.




In any case, once you have made a Ferrofluid purchase, place the substance on some glass.  If you are somewhat handy, you can make a glass platform.  Otherwise, you will have to use an older window.  With a window, the frame will keep you from getting cut.   Just make sure the window is suspended in mid-air, (as it cannot be attached to your house).  The fluid will move around on the glass surface.


Now take a magnet and place it under the glass pane(s).  The particles in the Ferrofluid will acquire a magnetic charge, causing them to move and form odd shapes.  In fact, the liquid will actually rise and take solid form.  No matter how you move the magnet, or even the window, the substance will begin creating different sets of patterns.  In other words, the Ferrofluid will develop a mind of its own.  Just make sure you do not remove the magnet, as doing so will cause the design to collapse.  When this happens, you will have to start over from the beginning, as Ferrofluid needs magnetic energy to fuel its movement.


You now have a basic understanding of how Ferrofluid works.  The next step involves making a Ferrofluid purchase.  You can acquire the substance pretty easily through auction sites or specialty stores.   However, if you are new to this type of compound, you may want to look at Ferrofluid pictures to see how it works.  These images will also give you ideas for experiments, if you want to expand on what has been explained here.  If you and your child are exceptional with Ferrofluid, you can even make art with your creations.  Who knows… the “simple” experiment your child does today could end up in a museum tomorrow.  That is how powerful Ferrofluid can be, when applied in an artistic manner.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

The Many Uses Of Ferro Fluid

Ferro fluid is a liquid that is naturally magnetic and is comprised of a dispersing agent, carrier fluids, and magnetic particles. When a substance has a magnetic field applied to it, various shapes result and the substance becomes magnetized. There are many kinds of magnetized fluids including powder, water, or oil-based types. Each kind is designed for a particular use. Ferro fluid is modified through various amounts of different liquid carriers and magnetic materials. The solution is unique in the sense that it features both solid and liquid characteristics. It can also be used for numerous commercial and medical applications.


One of the primary places this material is marketed in is the loudspeaker market. The solution is used in the production of over 300 million speakers each year, and  many varieties of fluid are available for audio speaker use. Woofers, tweeters and headphones must all have different solutions, and the one chosen is based on the amount of damping needed. The fluid increases the functionality of the speakers by enhancing their performance with regard to acoustics. It also reduces sound distortion and boosts the speakers' capacity to handle additional power.


In bio-medical settings, hospitals, and scientific research labs, the water-based formula is frequently utilized for the specific control of temperature. A thermal variation of the substance is commonly used in refrigerator systems, and it is also found in certain scientific instruments like medical lasers and microscopes. Utilizing the solution to evaluate and treat malignant tumors is still in its experimental phase. Throughout this process, the liquid is introduced into the body, and moved to the cancerous area buy a magnet, where it attempts to destroy harmful cells by releasing heat.





Ferro fluid can also be can be found in many high technology items such as machines that must have a lubricant or reliable seal, and light fixtures. The term ferrofluid seal refers to a magnetic fluid seal and circuit that reduces friction, as well as offers protection against debris, vapor and moisture. This type of liquid seal is found in semiconductors, rotating drive shafts, and computer disk drives, and will typically last for several years before beginning to deteriorate.


Currently in development is a liquid-filled transformer that produces power; however, this equipment is unique due to the fact that it contains ferro fluid. The purpose of the fluid is to reduce the effect of moisture and cool the transformer. Smaller and more efficient transformers were also created through this technology.


Because of its magnetism and chemical composition, ferro fluid is currently being utilized in a variety of innovative ways. It is particularly useful as a remedy for a wide range of engineering and technical problems.  Additionally, it can exhibit magnetic patterns visually, and is often utilized for common applications like classroom experiments and art displays.