Numerical simulation on the self-assembled structures of colloidal particles through magnetic dipole-dipole interactions

Self-assembly induced by a magnetic field is a promising method to produce functional materials with desired crystal morphologies to achieve excellent thermal, optical and acoustic properties. Due to the difficulties in manipulating micro- and nanoparticles, however, it remains a considerable challenge to perform accurate experiments in practice. In this study a two-dimensional numerical model is developed to provide a fundamental understanding as well as a visualization of the self-assembly process. In the simulation, dipole-dipole interaction among particles and hydrodynamic drag between particles and matrix fluid are taken into consideration. The magnetic field intensity (H), global particle concentration (ϕ), and relative particle concentration (φ) are evaluated for the colloidal particle systems that were performed in three previous experiments. In particular, systems composed of different sized particles are studied. The evolution of typical assembled structures is simulated, offering a straightforward manner to understand the magnetic self-assembly and a more efficient method for studying the preparation of artificial crystalline materials.

Publication year:2015

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