Limitations
Although smart fluids are rightly seen as having many potential applications, they are limited in commercial feasibility for the following reasons:
- High density, due to presence of iron, makes them heavy. However, operating volumes are small, so while this is a problem, it is not insurmountable.
- High-quality fluids are expensive.
- Fluids are subject to thickening after prolonged use and need replacing.
- Settling of ferro-particles can be a problem for some applications.
Commercial applications do exist, as mentioned, but will continue to be few until these problems (particularly cost) are overcome.
Read more about this topic: Magnetorheological Fluid
Famous quotes containing the word limitations:
“The motion picture made in Hollywood, if it is to create art at all, must do so within such strangling limitations of subject and treatment that it is a blind wonder it ever achieves any distinction beyond the purely mechanical slickness of a glass and chromium bathroom.”
—Raymond Chandler (1888–1959)
“The limitations of pleasure cannot be overcome by more pleasure.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“To note an artist’s limitations is but to define his talent. A reporter can write equally well about everything that is presented to his view, but a creative writer can do his best only with what lies within the range and character of his deepest sympathies.”
—Willa Cather (1876–1947)