Research Status and Development Trend of Magnetic Fluid Acceleration Sensors

As a new type of accelerometer, in recent years, the magnetic liquid acceleration sensor has attracted widespread attention worldwide, and related research results have also continued to emerge. This article mainly introduces the theoretical basis and general structure of the magnetic liquid acceleration sensor, and according to the difference of inertial mass, briefly describes the research progress of the magnetic liquid acceleration sensor by national and foreign scholars in recent years and some in existing problems. Finally, suggestions and prospects for the future development trend of the magnetic liquid acceleration sensor are given.

Influence of Controller’s Parameters on Static Bifurcation of Magnetic-Liquid Double Suspension Bearing

Magnetic-Liquid Double Suspension Bearing (MLDSB) is composed of an electromagnetic supporting and a hydrostatic supporting system. Due to greater supporting capacity and static stiffness, it is appropriate for occasions of middle speed, overloading, and frequent starting. Because of the complicated structure of the supporting system, the probability and degree of static bifurcation of MLDSB can be increased by the coupling of hydrostatic force and electromagnetism force, and then the supporting capacity and operation stability are reduced. As the key part of MLDSB, the controller makes an important impact on its supporting capacity, operation stability, and reliability. Firstly, the mathematical model of MLDSB is established in the paper. Secondly, the static bifurcation point of MLDSB is determined, and the influence of parameters of the controller on singular point characteristics is analyzed. Finally, the influence of parameters of the controller on phase trajectories and basin of attraction is analyzed. The result showed that the pitchfork bifurcation will occur as proportional feedback coefficient Kp increases, and the static bifurcation point is Kp = −60.55. When Kp < −60.55, the supporting system only has one stable node (0, 0). When Kp > −60.55, the supporting system has one unstable saddle (0, 0) and two stable non-null focuses or nodes. The shape of the basin of attraction changed greatly as Kp increases from −60.55 to 30, while the outline of the basin of attraction is basically fixed as Kp increases from 30 to 80. Differential feedback coefficient Kd has no effect on the static bifurcation of MLDSB. The rotor phase trajectory obtained from theoretical simulation and experimental tests are basically consistent, and the error is due to the leakage and damping effect of the hydrostatic system within the allowable range of the engineering. The research in the paper can provide theoretical reference for static bifurcation analysis of MLDSB.

Comparative Studies on Combustion Characteristics of Blended Crude Jatropha Oil with Magnetic Liquid Catalyst and DEX under Normal Gravity Condition

A comparative study on the combustion characteristics of a single droplet fueled by DEX, crude jatropha oil (CJO), and a mixture of CJO with a magnetic liquid catalyst of rhodium trisulfate has been carried out under normal gravity conditions. The high viscosity of crude jatropha oil makes it difficult to burn under normal conditions (room temperature and atmospheric pressure), therefore the addition of a magnetic liquid catalyst rhodium trisulfate is needed to improve the properties of crude jatropha oil. As a catalyst, rhodium trisulfate has the potential to improve combustion performance while improving the physical properties of crude jatropha oil as an alternative fuel for the better. Furthermore, performance tests were also carried out with DEX fuel with a cetane number (CNs) 53. The results showed that compared to DEX, it was seen that the liquid metal catalyst rhodium trisulfate succeeded in making crude jatropha oil more charged so that the combustion process was better. This is evidenced by a significant change in the dimensions of the flame and an increase in the combustion temperature. Moreover, it is also seen that the burning rate increases and the ignition delay become faster.

Turbulence Intensity Characteristics of a Magnetoliquid Seal Interface in a Liquid Environment

In a liquid environment, the turbulence intensity of the interfacial layer between the magnetic and sealing medium fluids in magnetic liquid seals directly affects the layer stability. Reducing the maximum turbulence intensity of the fluid interface layer effectively improves the stability of the magnetic fluid rotary seal. In this study, we simulated magnetic fluid sealing devices with different structures in liquid environments using the FLUENT software. The simulation results were verified through experimental analyses of the turbulence intensity at the sealing interface. The maximum turbulence intensity of the liquid interface layer increased with increasing shaft speed. At the same speed, the turbulence intensity was maximized at the shaft interface before gradually decreasing in a multistage linear pattern along the radial direction. A magnetic liquid seal with an optimized structure (OS) in the liquid environment was designed based on these results. The maximum turbulence intensity of the liquid interface layer in the OS was independent of the rotation speed and was more than 20% lower than that that in the traditional structure. These results provide a reference for designing magnetic liquid sealing devices.

An Ultrastretchable Electrical Switch Fiber with a Magnetic Liquid Metal Core for Remote Magnetic Actuation

In this work we describe a soft and ultrastretchable fiber with a magnetic liquid metal (MLM) core for electrical switches used in remote magnetic actuation. MLM was prepared by removing the oxide layer on the liquid metal and subsequent mixing with magnetic iron particles. We used SEBS (poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene]) and silicone to prepare stretchable elastic fibers. Once hollow elastic fibers form, MLM was injected into the core of the fiber at ambient pressure. The fibers are soft (Young’s modulus of 1.6~4.4 MPa) and ultrastretchable (elongation at break of 600~5000%) while maintaining electrical conductivity and magnetic property due to the fluidic nature of the core. Magnetic strength of the fibers was characterized by measuring the maximum effective distance between the magnet and the fiber as a function of iron particle concentration in the MLM core and the polymeric shell. The MLM core facilitates the use of the fiber in electrical switches for remote magnetic actuation. This ultrastretchable and elastic fiber with MLM core can be used in soft robotics, and wearable and conformal electronics.