RUI: Equilibrium Structure and Structure Formation in Magnetorheological Fluids

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9803618 Gross This award supports research at a predominantly undergraduate institution to study equilibrium structures and structural dynamics in magnetorheological fluids. In a magnetic field, chains of micron-sized particles form. On longer time scales, the chains may bind into thick `columns.' Of particular interest are: (1) how do columns form in the low volume fraction region where the interactions between chains appears to be repulsive, and (2) what is the internal and external equilibrium structure of columns. %%% The PI will carry out research at a predominantly undergraduate institution into a class of `complex fluids' that consist of micron-sized particles and respond to magnetic fields, for example, the viscosity of the fluid can dramatically increase with the application of a small magnetic field from the consistency of motor oil to that of peanut. In an applied magnetic field, the small particles of the fluid will form structures. A better understanding of how these structures form is an objective of the proposed research. These `magnetically active' fluids are used in numerous applications such as vibration dampers, brakes, and controllable clutches. ***