Harnessing Magnetic Fields for Precise Ferrofluid Droplet Motion
Session Number
PHYS 05
Advisor(s)
Michelle Driscoll
Shih-Yuan Chen, Northwestern University
Discipline
Physical Science
Start Date
17-4-2024 11:05 AM
End Date
17-4-2024 11:20 AM
Abstract
Ferrofluids, composed of magnetic nanoparticles suspended in a carrier liquid, offer unique fluidic properties and can be manipulated by external magnetic fields. My research project focuses on employing varying magnetic fields to control ferrofluids and investigates manipulating them to explore their potential for innovative navigation systems.
The experimental setup uses high-speed cameras to image a ferrofluid drop on a hydrophobic substrate to observe its dynamics in real time. We arranged three copper coil arrays to produce magnetic fields with adjustable parameters such as intensity and direction. We conducted systematic experimentation and analysis to measure the influence of magnetic field configurations on ferrofluid behavior. By modulating these fields, we precisely controlled the movement of ferrofluid drops within a maze. We also explored different maze layouts and obstacles to simulate diverse navigation challenges.
My results demonstrate the effectiveness of utilizing magnetic fields to manipulate ferrofluid motion. By harnessing the responsive nature of ferrofluids to magnetic fields, this research underscores the potential for developing adjustable navigation systems. These findings hold implications for applications in robotics, microfluidics, and biomedical engineering, where precise motion control is paramount for achieving desired functionalities.
Harnessing Magnetic Fields for Precise Ferrofluid Droplet Motion
Ferrofluids, composed of magnetic nanoparticles suspended in a carrier liquid, offer unique fluidic properties and can be manipulated by external magnetic fields. My research project focuses on employing varying magnetic fields to control ferrofluids and investigates manipulating them to explore their potential for innovative navigation systems.
The experimental setup uses high-speed cameras to image a ferrofluid drop on a hydrophobic substrate to observe its dynamics in real time. We arranged three copper coil arrays to produce magnetic fields with adjustable parameters such as intensity and direction. We conducted systematic experimentation and analysis to measure the influence of magnetic field configurations on ferrofluid behavior. By modulating these fields, we precisely controlled the movement of ferrofluid drops within a maze. We also explored different maze layouts and obstacles to simulate diverse navigation challenges.
My results demonstrate the effectiveness of utilizing magnetic fields to manipulate ferrofluid motion. By harnessing the responsive nature of ferrofluids to magnetic fields, this research underscores the potential for developing adjustable navigation systems. These findings hold implications for applications in robotics, microfluidics, and biomedical engineering, where precise motion control is paramount for achieving desired functionalities.