Deformation of a layer of ferrofluid, lying on a liquid substrate, subjected to the action of the magnetic field

The paper deals with the results of experimental studies made to examine the behavior of a thin horizontal layer of a ferrofluid, lying on a liquid substrate and subjected to the action of differently oriented magnetic fields. It has been found that a nonhomogeneous magnetic field normal to the layer surface can cause the deformation and rupture of the layer. As soon as the action of the field ceases the rupture can collapse or remain open if the initial layer thickness is below the critical value. However, the existing stable rupture of the layer can be closed by a homogeneous magnetic field applied to the layer in the longitudinal direction.