A novel actuator with Nd-Fe-B magnets swimming in parallel to the magnetic field

Using two small Nd-Fe-B magnets (0.7 mm/spl times/0.7 mm/spl times/2 mm), a novel magnetic actuator, the length of which is 20 mm, has been developed. The actuator swims in water in parallel to the magnetic field applied. Its swimming velocity performance was experimentally evaluated with three parameters: dc bias magnetic field intensity, and the amplitude and the frequency of the ac magnetic field. A maximum velocity of 37 mm/s was obtained.