Influence of High Viscosity and Magnetoviscous Effect on the Washout Resistance of Magnetic Fluid

Abstract

Magnetic fluid seals have long been thought to be a successful sealing form while sealing liquids are always a challenge. The instability of the liquid–liquid interface under the washout has become the key technical problem that hinders the realization of sealing liquid. This work mainly presents an experimental study about the influence of high viscosity and magnetoviscous effects on washout resistance. Three engine oil-based magnetic fluids of different viscosities were prepared with two kinds of surfactants. The magnetoviscous effects of the prepared magnetic fluids under different working conditions were found through rheological experiments. The viscosity of the three samples decreased at most by about 100 times with the shear rate increasing. An experimental platform was designed and built for the washout tests. The entire process of magnetic fluids being washed away was obtained experimentally. The magnetic fluid of higher viscosity can remain stationary with lower magnetic force. The quantitative results show that the viscosity of the magnetic fluid has a significant influence on washout resistance under a magnetic field.