Computer aided design of a high electric current magnetofluidic sensor

Abstract

A new type of high electric current sensor based on the correlation between the electric current intensity and the shape of the free surface of a magnetic fluid around a vertical linear conducting wire is presented. The basic hydrostatic and magnetostatic equations describing the sensor behavior are deduced and solved in real cases in order to allow the design of a new type of sensor, taking into account the electric current intensity range, magnetic fluid characteristics and sensor physical dimensions. Important advantages of the new sensor, such as the zero resistance, the absence of moving mechanical parts, no limitation of the electric current intensity range, the use for ac and dc measurements without modifications and without direct intervention on the electric circuit, are put into evidence.