A new type magnetofluidic actuator

A new type magnetofluidic actuator, based on the magnetic fluid free surface profile around a linear vertical electric current is presented in the paper. It consists of a nonmagnetic box with a horizontal separating wall with orifices, containing a magnetic fluid in the lower part, water in the higher part and an optical device in the lower part opposite to the commanding electric current wire. When the box is placed near a vertical electric wire, the magnetic fluid's free surface reaches its equilibrium profile in a time interval depending on orifice dimensions and allows the optical device to give a command signal. Advantages such as simplicity of design and construction, high reliability determined by inexistence of moving mechanical parts and large range of working electric current intensities are put into evidence.