In this paper, we present results of a theoretical study of circulation flow in ferrofluids under the action of an alternating inhomogeneous magnetic field. The results show that the field with the amplitude of about 17 kA m-1 and angular frequency 10 s-1 can induce mesoscopic flow with a velocity amplitude of about 0.5 mm s-1. This mechanism can be used for intensification of drag delivery in blood vessels. This article is part of the theme issue 'Patterns in soft and biological matters'.
Keywords: field-induced flow; magnetic fluid; oscillating magnetic field.