“Design of High-Magnetic Field Gradient Source for Magnetically-Induced Flow of
Ferrofluid”
W. He
IPRT, Iowa State University
Ferrofluids can be used in micro-magnetically actuated systems. The actuation
mechanism is based on the movement of ferrofluids in a magnetic field gradient. This
movement can be utilized to dispense vapors or liquids that are in direct or indirect
contact with the ferrofluid into microfluidic channels. The design of a magnetic field
generator that can generate the required magnetic field and field gradient is critical for
optimized functioning of such micro-magnetically actuated systems. In this talk, related
research on micro-magnetic actuated devices will be reviewed. Some design
considerations for electromagnets as magnetic field generators that have the potential to
enhance the performance of the micro-magnetically actuated systems will be presented.
The effects of the geometrical parameters of a solenoid coil on the generated field will be
discussed using numerical simulation results obtained by Finite Element Method (FEM).
Experimental results of dispensing ferrofluids in the magnetic field gradient generated y
solenoid coil will be presented and discussed.