IIT Patna Develops Hybrid Magneto-Rheometer

# IIT Patna Develops Hybrid Magneto-Rheometer ### Why in News? Scientists at IIT Patna have developed an innovative hybrid magneto-rheometer to advance the testing and application of **Magnetorheological (MR) fluids**, a type of **smart fluid**. ### What is the hybrid magneto-rheometer and why does it matter? - The custom-built instrument, developed under **Prof. Chiranjit Sarkar**, measures both **rheological** (flow and deformation) and **tribological** (friction and wear) properties of MR fluids in a single setup. - It evaluates fluid performance under simultaneous **compression and shear forces**, which mimics real-world conditions better than conventional testers. - The device operates with **low electrical current** while generating a constant, high-strength magnetic field, making it energy-efficient and reliable. - MR fluids are **smart fluids** that rapidly increase in viscosity when exposed to a magnetic field, turning from liquid to a near-solid state. This property is harnessed in **shock absorbers, vibration control systems, dampers, actuators**, and **medical devices**. - The research, funded by the **Department of Science and Technology (DST)**, also involved developing **nano iron powder-based MR fluids**, enhancing their performance for applications in **aerospace, defense, healthcare**, and **industrial automation**. ### Exam Connect **Magnetorheological (MR) fluids** → Smart fluids that change viscosity in response to a magnetic field **IIT Patna** → Established in **2008**, located in **Bihta, Bihar**, an **Institute of National Importance** **Department of Science and Technology (DST)** → Established in **May 1971**, under the **Ministry of Science and Technology**