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Direct observation of closed-loop ferrohydrodynamic pumping under traveling magnetic fields

Leidong Mao, Shihab Elborai, Xiaowei He, Markus Zahn, and Hur Koser
Phys. Rev. B 84, 104431 – Published 15 September 2011
Physics logo See Synopsis: Magnetized plumbing
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Abstract

Ferrofluid-based liquid manipulation schemes typically actuate an immiscible liquid via a ferrofluid plug, using high magnetic flux (∼1 T) densities and strong field gradients created with bulky permanent magnets. They rely on surface tension effects to maintain the cohesion of the ferrofluid plug, necessitating miniature channels and slow (∼1 μl/min) flow speeds. Here, we demonstrate direct ferrohydrodynamic pumping using traveling magnetic fields at controllable speeds in a simple, closed-loop geometry without any mechanically actuated components. The pumping approach is compact, scalable, and practical. Using moderate field amplitudes (∼10 mT), we obtained a maximum volumetric flow rate of 0.69 ml/s using a readily available commercial ferrofluid. Our closed-loop pumping approach could lead to integrated and efficient liquid manipulation and cooling schemes based on ferrofluids.

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  • Received 3 May 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.104431

©2011 American Physical Society

Synopsis

Key Image

Magnetized plumbing

Published 15 September 2011

Magnetism may propel liquids in a pump without moving parts.

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Authors & Affiliations

Leidong Mao1,*, Shihab Elborai2, Xiaowei He2, Markus Zahn2, and Hur Koser3,†

  • 1Faculty of Engineering, Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, University of Georgia, 220 Riverbend Road, Room 166, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
  • 2Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Laboratory for Electromagnetic and Electronic Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
  • 3Department of Electrical Engineering, Yale University, Becton Center, Room 507, 15 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA

  • *mao@uga.edu
  • hur.koser@yale.edu

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Issue

Vol. 84, Iss. 10 — 1 September 2011

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