Electrorheological Effect at Cryogenic Temperature

Abstract
We have observed a strong electrorheologial (ER) effect of a suspension of fine aluminum particles in liquid nitrogen. The particles have diameter ~ 10μm and an insulate surface. In an ac field, aluminum particles quickly form chains across the two electrodes. The chains vibrate vigorously as the liquid nitrogen has a constant random flow motion caused by bubbles. In addition to low temperature, liquid nitrogen has extremely low viscosity, and low conductivity. These special properties enable us to observe several interesting phenomena which are absent in ER fluids at room temperature. We have determined the rheological properties of our cryogenic ER fluid.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: