Ferrofluid Sculpture Design update and Influence

I have always liked the modern era aesthetic due to how sleek and clean it looks. Modern architecture is often constructed out of metal or glass and is very smooth in nature. In a way it is a minimalist aesthetic because there are spaces left open and only the necessities are included in the design. There tends to be many sharp corners in furniture with most finishes being fine wood, glass, metal or marble.

As for the design, things are beginning to move forward nicely. My glass enclosure where the ferrofluid sits is almost complete, I just have commence testing to ensure that the edges are completely sealed.

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Along with the glass enclosure, I have started creating the first electromagnet. It is a toroidal magnet in nature that will surround the outside of the Steelers emblem, magnetizing it when turned on. The magnet was constructed by bending a .25″ metal rod into a 11″ diameter circle and then wrapping 20 gauge wire around the extrusion. Totally underestimated how long the wrapping of the wire would take!

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After finishing the construction of the electromagnet, I will take it to the itll to test it out and vary currents running through it and measuring it’s strength!

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2 Comments. Leave new

  • Joseph Graff
    May 4, 2016 10:50 pm

    It looks like your project is coming along great! I love that you’ve decided to go with the modern aesthetic as inspiration for your project, being that I tend to think of ferrofluids as being fairly modern (at least in terms of artistic pursuits). The glass enclosure is looking awesome. I’m glad that you didn’t decide to go for the “black box” approach, and enclose all of your working components in a compartment which cannot be seen by viewers. I tend to think it’s quite nice when designers invite their audience to figure out the inner workings of their projects. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  • Ethan Gehring
    April 4, 2016 1:59 pm

    Good to see you were able to get the basin sealed. I can’t imagine that leaking ferrofluid is good for anyone. It might look good to add some metal brackets to the corners to further emulate modern architecture. If you haven’t done any rough calcs on how strong this magnet will be you definitely want to be careful as you start testing as we all know magnets and electronics don’t get along the best.

    Can’t wait to see how this turns out. Ferrofluid is super cool.

    Reply

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