Motion of a deformable drop of magnetic fluid on a solid surface in a rotating magnetic field

The behavior of a magnetic fluid drop lying on a solid horizontal surface and surrounded by a nonmagnetic liquid under the action of a uniform magnetic field which is rotating in a vertical plane with low frequency (of the order of 1 Hz) has been investigated experimentally. Shape deformation and translatory motion of the drop were observed and studied. The drop translation velocity for different field amplitudes and field frequencies has been measured.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Complex shapes of a magnetic fluid drop are observed in a rotating magnetic field. ► Rotating magnetic field leads to a translatory motion of the drop. ► Shape deformation and rotation are the necessary conditions for the drop motion. ► Translation velocity of a drop depends on the field strength and rotation frequency.