Evaluation of cluster formation and flow characteristics of magneto-rheological fluid in a branch pipe under the magnetic field for shutting down leakage

Abstract

Flow dynamics of magneto-rheological (MR) fluid in a branch pipe as a simple model of a cracked pipe and a blood vessel with wounds is clarified by considering the effects of magnetic field intensity, inner diameter of a branch channel and wall elasticity of a pipe. It is shown that a MR fluid cluster shuts down a branch leakage flow without reducing main flow by measuring a mass flow rate of MR fluid in a branch channel under magnetic field. Main channels made of acrylic, silicone and polyvinyl alcohol-hydrogel (PVA-H) were used in order to evaluate the effect of channel elasticity on flow dynamics of MR fluid. The seal effect was quantitatively clarified by evaluating the endurance pressure of the cluster in a branch channel. Furthermore, the break down behavior of clusters formed in a branch channel was experimentally analyzed by visualizing the flow dynamics of MR fluid cluster in order to clarify the difference in endurance pressure depending on the pipe materials.

Keywords

• magneto-rheological fluid
• branch pipe
• pressure flow mode
• shutting down the leakage flow
• biological tube