Calculating Magnetic Force on Ferrofluids Between Two Magnets

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the magnetic force exerted by a U-shaped magnet on a ferrofluid situated between its poles. The focus is on theoretical calculations and simulations of the physical behavior of ferrofluids in a magnetic field, particularly with a specified magnetic field strength of 0.8 Tesla and a gap of approximately 1mm filled with fluid.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Flashlight, presents a formula for calculating the force between two magnetized surfaces and questions its applicability to ferrofluids, noting that the formula only accounts for perpendicular forces.
  • Flashlight expresses uncertainty about the correctness of the formula and seeks guidance on how to apply it to the scenario involving ferrofluids.
  • Another participant, Dave, inquires about progress on the topic, indicating interest in suspending ferrofluid in a tube.
  • There is a note that Flashlight may not respond due to inactivity, suggesting that others may need to contribute to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not present a consensus, as there are no responses to Flashlight's query regarding the formula's validity or its application to ferrofluids. Multiple viewpoints and questions remain without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Flashlight's inquiry is based on a specific formula that may have limitations in its application to ferrofluids, particularly regarding the assumptions about the forces involved and the nature of the fluid's response to the magnetic field.

Flashlight21
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I have the problem that I want to calculate the force of a magnet acting on a ferrofluid. I know this is is difficult but I am trying to make some simulations of physical behavior on ferrofluids

Consider a U-shaped magnet with ferrofluid between the two poles. The distance between the poles will be in the order of 1mm and this gap will be completely filled with fluid. Now I would like to calculate the force the magnet exerts on the ferrofluid. Now I know that the magnetic field strength between the poles is around 0.8Tesla.
I found the following formula:

F=B2*A/(mu0*2)
where:
F: is the force between the two nearby surfaces [N]
B: is the magnetic field strength [T]
A: is the contact area between the surfaces [m2]
mu0: is the magnetic permeability constant 4*pi*10-7

The problem is that I do not know whether this formula is correct or not and if it is correct how can I use this the calculate the force since this formula is only for two magnetized surfaces. Also this formula only calculates the force perpendicular to the surface and eventually I would have to expand to the force parallel to the magnets surfaces.

Thanks in advance
Flashlight

PS. if I did not make myself clear please tell me and I will expand on the problem
 
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Any progress on this? I'm playing around with ferrofluid myself and want to be able to suspend it in a tube.

Cheers,
Dave
 
EinsteinOfJazz said:
Any progress on this? I'm playing around with ferrofluid myself and want to be able to suspend it in a tube.

Cheers,
Dave

Welcome to the PF, Dave.

From the poster's Profile page:

Flashlight21 was last seen: Apr 6, 2011

You probably won't be getting a response from him, but maybe somebody else can help you out with your question... :smile:
 
Alright, I'll try making a post.

berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF, Dave.

From the poster's Profile page:
You probably won't be getting a response from him, but maybe somebody else can help you out with your question... :smile:
 

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