Abstract
A continuum theory of self-assembly and pattern formation in metallic microparticles immersed in a poorly conducting liquid in a dc electric field was developed. In terms of conservation laws for the densities of immobile particles and bouncing particles coupled to the Navier-Stokes equation for the liquid, the theory was formulated. It was shown that this theory successfully reproduced the correct topology of the phase diagram and primary patterns observed in the experiment. It was found that the rotation of the clusters is the result of a symmetry-breaking instability leading to the formation of the traveling wave at the cluster perimeter.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 234301 |
Pages (from-to) | 234301-1-234301-4 |
Journal | Physical review letters |
Volume | 92 |
Issue number | 23 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 11 2004 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General Physics and Astronomy