Model for Dynamic Self-Assembled Magnetic Surface Structures

TL;DR

This paper introduces a first-principles model combining fluid dynamics and magnetic particle interactions to explain self-assembled magnetic structures on water surfaces, capturing key experimental phenomena.

Contribution

It presents a novel coupled model that reproduces experimental observations of magnetic surface structures, advancing understanding of self-organization in non-equilibrium systems.

Findings

Reproduces formation of magnetic snake-like structures

Generates large-scale vortex flows

Shows complex magnetic ordering and self-propulsion

Abstract

We propose a first-principles model for self-assembled magnetic surface structures on the water-air interface reported in earlier experiments \cite{snezhko2,snezhko4}. The model is based on the Navier-Stokes equation for liquids in shallow water approximation coupled to Newton equations for interacting magnetic particles suspended on the water-air interface. The model reproduces most of the observed phenomenology, including spontaneous formation of magnetic snake-like structures, generation of large-scale vortex flows, complex ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic ordering of the snake, and self-propulsion of bead-snake hybrids. The model provides valuable insights into self-organization phenomena in a broad range of non-equilibrium magnetic and electrostatic systems with competing interactions.