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Ferrofluid Speaker

Installation/Product Design

A picture of the installation in the dark showing the light strip and the ferrofluid spikes

Project Name

Ferrofluid Speaker

A captivating installation and product design that seeks to render the intangible nature of sound into visible, mesmerising forms.

Year
2015

Type​​
Installation/Product Design

This creative endeavour serves as an evolution of the 'Dance of Iron' project, retaining the fundamental focus on magnetic interaction but shifting the medium from iron particles to ferrofluid. Ferrofluid, a unique substance composed of nanoscale ferromagnetic particles suspended in a carrier fluid, exhibits fascinating behaviour when exposed to magnetic fields. Not only is it attracted to the poles of a magnet, but it also forms intriguing, spiky shapes under the influence of such fields. This distinctive trait provides an exceptional means of manipulation, allowing for the creation of dynamic and striking patterns.

The video accompanying this project provides a glimpse into a prototype of the magnetic controlling matrix that I painstakingly developed for this exploration. This system comprises twenty-four neodymium magnets, each attached to a push-pull solenoid. When a magnet is pushed forward, the ferrofluid is drawn towards it, morphing into the pre-programmed pattern designed for the installation.

'Ferrofluid Speaker' is an amalgamation of art, technology, and sound, presenting a visually stunning manifestation of the interplay between these realms. The patterns and shapes formed by the ferrofluid under the influence of the magnetic field provide a tangible representation of sound, effectively translating auditory stimuli into captivating visual art. The result is a dynamic, ever-evolving visual landscape that offers viewers an innovative perspective on the way we perceive and interact with sound. This project illuminates the profound potential for blending science, design, and art, transforming the way we engage with and understand the world around us.

Side view of the installation
Exploded-view drawing of the installation
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