Ferrofluids applied in Tribosystems

Dear Colleagues,

Ferrofluids consist of a stable colloidal suspension of tiny magnetic particles in a viscous fluid, providing that fluid with paramagnetic properties. From the early 1970s, these fluids were considered for usage in seals and bearings. Two mechanisms are employed here:

Firstly, the internal pressure, resulting from the particles being pulled towards the high gradient regions of the magnetic field, can be used to balance an external load on the fluid film (also known as ferrofluid behavior). Compared to other bearing concepts, these types of ferrofluid bearings are an easy way to create a low friction movement that is free of stick-slip.

Secondly, the alignment of the magnetic particles along magnetic field lines results in rheological changes, modifying the flow behavior of the fluid: The effective viscosity increases in a high magnitude magnetic field (also known as magnetorheological behavior). This mechanism is well known for its use in active damping components.

In this Special Issue, we would like to gather contributions that deal with all aspects of the use of ferrofluids and MR fluids in tribo-systems and -applications:

• Mathematical modeling and design of magnetic fluid applications in mechanical engineering;
• Examples and applications of the use of magnetic fluids in bearings, seals and other machine components in mechanical design, mechatronics systems and high precision systems;
• Practical formulation, and characterization of magnetic fluids.

Both review papers and in-depth research papers on new developments in this field will be collected in this Special Issue. We are looking forward to your valued contributions.

Dr. Ir. Ron A.J. van Ostayen
Ir. Jo W. Spronck
Ir. Stefan G.E. Lampaert
Guest Editors

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• Magnetic fluids
• Ferrofluids
• Magnetorheological fluids
• Mechanical design
• Mechatronic System Design
• Mathematical modelling
• tribology
• bearing
• seal