Magnetoviscous Effects In Ferrofluids

Abstract Suspensions of magnetic particles with diameters in the nanometer range exhibit longterm sedimentation stability as well as the possibility of magnetic field induced control of their properties and flow. One of the most famous field induced effects is the change of viscosity of the fluids due to the action of magnetic influences. An explanation of these effects on basis of microscopic models is a challenging field of actual experimental and theoretical research. Within this article the state of knowledge on magnetoviscous effects in magnetic fluids will be summarized and in particular the experimental methods used to obtain related results will be discussed.