Experimental measurements of ultrasonic propagation velocity and attenuation in a magnetic fluid.

The ultrasonic propagation velocity and attenuation in a magnetic fluid subjected to magnetic field are measured precisely. Various characteristic properties of ultrasonic propagation in magnetic fluid such as hysteresis and anisotropy are observed. These results show that the ultrasonic propagation velocity and attenuation are dependent upon the intensity and the length of time for which the magnetic field is applied. When the magnetic field is applied, some of the magnetic particles in the magnetic fluid form clustering structures that influence ultrasonic propagation in a magnetic fluid. Our results indicate that the inner structure of a magnetic fluid can be analysed experimentally and we discuss the application of this non-contact inspection of the clustering structures in a magnetic fluid by ultrasonic techniques.