Interactions between particles in a magnetocapillary self-assembly

ORAL

Abstract

When particles are suspended at air-water interfaces in the presence of a vertical magnetic field, dipole-dipole repulsion competes with capillary attraction. This interaction was used recently to control self-assembling particles, as well as to create low Reynolds swimming systems. Although the equilibrium properties of the magnetocapillary interaction is understood, the dynamics was unclear. In the present report, we emphasize the rich behavior of two/three particles driven by this interaction. We propose a model for describing the motion driven by an external field, being the basis for developing swimming strategies and other elaborated collective behaviors along liquid-air interfaces.

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Authors

  • Guillaume Lagubeau

    • GRASP, Physics Department B5a, University of Li\`ege, B-4000 Li\`ege, Belgium
    • GRASP, Physics Department, University of Li\`ege, B-4000 Li\`ege, Belgium
    • GRASP, Institute Physics B5a, Sart Tilman, University of Liege, B4000 Liege, Belgium

  • Alexis Darras

    • GRASP, Physics Department, University of Li\`ege, B-4000 Li\`ege, Belgium

  • Galien Grosjean

    • GRASP, Physics Department, University of Li\`ege, B-4000 Li\`ege, Belgium

  • Geoffroy Lumay

    • GRASP, Physics Department, University of Li\`ege, B-4000 Li\`ege, Belgium

  • Maxime Hubert

    • GRASP, Physics Department, University of Li\`ege, B-4000 Li\`ege, Belgium

  • Nicolas Vandewalle

    • GRASP, Physics Department, University of Li\`ege, B-4000 Li\`ege, Belgium