Magnetically driven surface mixing

Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys. 2009 Jul;80(1 Pt 1):011310. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.80.011310. Epub 2009 Jul 28.

Abstract

Magnetic microparticles suspended on the surface of liquid and energized by vertical alternating magnetic field exhibit complex collective behavior. Various immobile and self-propelled self-assembled structures have been observed. Here, we report on experimental studies of mixing and surface diffusion processes in this system. We show that the pattern-induced surface flows have properties of quasi-two-dimensional turbulence. Correspondingly, the surface advection of tracer particle exhibits properties of Brownian diffusion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.