Characterisation and Medical Applications of Magnetorheological Fluids

Magnetorheological fluids are composed by magnetic particles suspended within a carrier fluid which allow to change their rheology when subjected to a magnetic field. This property can be controlled very accurately by varying the magnetic field intensity which provides a rapid and effective system to control the response of very diverse fluid-mechanical devices.The characterisation of two new magnethoreological fluids is presented. The force response when the magnetic field varies is studied in static and dynamic conditions.This paper sets out some of the opportunities and advantages provided by this fluids both for medical and non-medical applications.