Phase and structural transformations in magnetorheological suspensions

Particle condensation in magnetorheological suspensions (MRS) under external magnetic field is studied theoretically. It is shown that the bulk condensation of particles into dense phases is preceded by the formation of fairly long chain aggregates. Phase transition occurs as a condensation of such chains due to their magnetic interaction. In thin layers of MRS, placed into the normal magnetic field, scenario of the phase transition differs essentially from that in infinite volumes of these systems. Equilibrium state of the system after the phase transition corresponds to the formation of ensemble of discrete domains of the dense phase rather than to separation into two massive phases as it takes place in infinite media.