electro-magnetic Goo clutch

[Spydie]

I just caught the tail end of some program on the Discovery Channel where they were demonstating practical uses for this super magnetic sludge that turns solid when a magnetic current is applied and returns to liquid when current is removed. Has the same consistancy as mud I guess you could say.
Anyway 1 idea they have is to fill shock absorbers with this goo and 4 electro-magnets controlled by computer monitoring the road conditions.....as the sensors detect road abnormalities a variable magnetic current adjusts the firmness or suppleness of the shocks.. Possible good news for tuners who wish to customize suspension.
Also a liquid clutch design was demonstrated where this goo replaced the disk in a clutch assembly. when the pedal was released the current was sent to the clutch instantly turning the goo solid. They did a comparison with a regular disk clutch vs the goo clutch. The only difference really was that the goo clutch was dead silent and extremely smooth. The regular clutch was a tad more "violent" made a bit of a thunk when it was engaged....possibly enhanced for this demo. Again for tuners this may be good news. If customizable, you could tune the clutch for daily driving then beef it up for the weekend track time, without having to ever physically change the clutch....just the amount of current. Interesting glimpse of the 'future' of automotive technology...only I wish I had seen it from the beginning.
By any chance did anyone else catch it???

<small>[ October 22, 2003, 07:14 AM: Message edited by: Darren Hyderman ]</small>

[wyldside]

I've actually heard of this too. The only problem that might be faced is that the Current draw on the system may be too great. Also there is a slight safety issue that would take forever to clear out of National Safety standard and that is,"What happens when your battery craps out?" No Clutch! I do agree that it would be a great idea for things. They may have to switch cars to a 42Volt power source along with Hydrogen Fuel cells to make this more efficient. I also heard that they wanted to use this for stearing wheels as well. That way the wheel would collapse in an accident to prevent injury.

[Becker]

Ya i caught all of that, it's really cool but that stuff wont be on the market in cars for a long time to come. They showed a test between a regular clutch and the magnetic one and it was sooo much smother when he engaged it, theres almost no friction....apparantly they use the stuff already in the shocks of some cadilacks (cant spell worth crap).

[ltjrunner]

but the magnetic feild...wouldnt that **** things on the ecu...and, everytime you get out...like i do this already...you better have ur e-brake set.