The measurements of anisotropy of ultrasound propagation and magnetic susceptibility in viscous ferrofluid

Results of experimental study of anisotropy of ultrasound propagation and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility in a ferrofluid of considerable viscosity are reported. The dependence of the propagation velocity and absorption coefficient of ultrasonic wave on the angle between the direction of measurement and that of the magnetic field provides important information on the ferrofluid structure in a magnetic field. The results show that the ultrasonic absorption coefficient of a wave propagating in a viscous ferrofluid in a DC magnetic field depends mainly on the rotational degree of freedom. Measurements of the anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility of a ferrofluid bring the information on the magnetic moment of the magnetic particles and their mean radius. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.