Application of magnetic fluids in tribotechnical systems

This paper presents the results of investigations on applications of magnetic fluids as lubricant. Magnetic fluids can be used as lubricants in gears, plain bearings and roller bearings. With an appropriate designed magnetic field the lubricants can be fixed at those places, where they are needed. The main advantage of the use of magnetic fluids as lubricant is based on the considerable reduction of the maintenance for the lubricant supply, because the lubricant is prevented from leaving the contact zone of the tribological system. Further advantages are the small amount of the necessary lubricant and the avoidance of leakages. The theological and tribological behaviour of magnetic fluids was investigated and compared with conventional lubricants between friction pairs under boundary conditions. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.