Magnetic fluid flows in a rotating magnetic field. 1st report. Experiments on shape of free surface and circulation velocity.

Abstract

The rotational flow of a water-based magnetic fluid with a three-phase, four-poles rotating magnetic field was experimentally investigated. The shapes of the free surface were measured by a contact probe, and the velocity profiles by the surface floating method. The deformation was increased with an increase in the strength of the applied current irrespective of the frequency. On the other hand, the induced flow velocity was almost propotional to that of the phase of the magnetic field, and was in the same or the opposite direction to it, depending on the strength of the applied current. The centrifugal force of the induced flow has little effect on the shape of the free surface.