Study of a Ferrofluidic Actuator for an Implantable Artificial Heart

Summary

The feasibility of a ferrofluidic actuator for an artificial heart was studied. A magnetic fluid plug (Ferricolloid, HC-50) was placed in a glass cylinder (5-mm internal diameter [ID]) filled with water. An array of four poles of Semendur solenoids was mounted near the glass cylinder. Two solenoids were placed near one side of the magnetic fluid plug and the other two solenoids near the other side of the plug. The solenoids were made active alternately and a pressure of 65 mmHg was obtained. An array of three poles of the solenoids was mounted near a glass cylinder (5.8-mm ID). A magnetic fluid plug was placed in the glass cylinder filled with water and a polyurethane sac was connected to both ends of the cylinder. The solenoids were made active sequentially. A flow of 53.0ml/min was obtained at 2.2 Hz. The results have encouraged us to study further, using a larger scale ferrofluidic actuator.