Students at the University of Oslo have published a fascinating ferrofluid display project they have created and shared on the “Applied Procrastination” YouTube channel. This project demonstrates a unique control over the ferrofluid liquid using an array of electromagnets. Watch the video below to learn more about this innovative ferrofluid display.
Using an Arduino Mega development board, the display takes the form of a 252-pixel screen and has been named “Fetch.” This project showcases the potential of combining ferrofluids with modern electronics to create visually stunning and interactive displays.
Understanding Ferrofluid Technology
Ferrofluids are liquids that become strongly magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field. They are composed of nanoscale ferromagnetic particles suspended in a carrier fluid. When exposed to a magnetic field, these particles align along the field lines, creating visually captivating patterns and shapes. This unique property makes ferrofluids ideal for various applications, including art, engineering, and scientific research.
In the “Fetch” display, the students utilized an array of electromagnets to manipulate the ferrofluid. By precisely controlling the magnetic fields generated by these electromagnets, they were able to create dynamic and intricate patterns on the display. The Arduino Mega development board played a crucial role in this project by providing the necessary computational power and control capabilities to manage the electromagnets effectively.
Applications and Future Potential
The “Fetch” ferrofluid display is not just a mesmerizing piece of art; it also has potential applications in various fields. For instance, ferrofluid displays could be used in advertising to create eye-catching and dynamic billboards. In the field of education, such displays can serve as interactive tools to teach students about magnetism and fluid dynamics in a visually engaging manner.
Moreover, the principles demonstrated in the “Fetch” project can be extended to develop more advanced technologies. For example, researchers are exploring the use of ferrofluids in medical applications, such as targeted drug delivery systems. By manipulating ferrofluids with magnetic fields, it is possible to direct medication to specific areas within the body, potentially improving the efficacy of treatments.
The students behind the “Fetch” project have expressed their intention to share all the details of their work on the Applied Procrastination YouTube channel. They hope to inspire others to undertake similar projects or pursue their own creative endeavors. As they continue their YouTube journey, they aim to produce more visually appealing and higher-quality content, providing valuable insights and inspiration to the maker community.
“We have designed and built a massive ferrofluid-display with electromagnetic ‘pixels’. On Applied Procrastination, we will share all the details of this project and hopefully inspire you to make something similar – or follow your own dream projects. This video marks the beginning of our YouTube adventure and is based on clips filmed before we decided to document our project with videos. Future videos will hopefully contain more visually pleasing footage and a generally higher production quality.”
If you enjoyed this article, you are sure to enjoy learning how to build your very own Arduino wind speed meter or anemometer project, which is easy to build with basic Arduino skills.
Source: AB
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