Ferrofluids are known for their fascinating behaviors when subjected to magnetic fields, especially for the distinctive peaks they can form. In this video, we see a very thin ferrofluid drop on a pre-wetted surface just as a uniform perpendicular magnetic field is applied. Immediately the droplet breaks up into tiny isolated peaks that migrate out to the circumference. The interface breaks down from center, where the drop height is largest, and moves outward. Simultaneously, the diffusion of ferrofluid from the circumferential droplets into the surrounding fluid lowers the magnetization of those droplets, making it more difficult for them to repel their neighbors. As a result, they drift outward more slowly and get caught by the faster-moving droplets from within. (Video credit: C. Chen)
Here a ferrofluid climbs a spiral steel structure sitting on an electromagnet. Magnetic field lines emanating from the sculpture’s edges tend to push the ferrofluid out into long spikes—part of the normal field instability—but surface tension resists. The short, somewhat squat spikes we see are the balance struck between these opposing forces. Though known for their wild appearance, ferrofluids appear many in common applications, including hard drives, speakers, and MRI contrast agents. Researchers have also recently suggested they might help understand the behavior of the multiverse. (Photo credit: P. Davis et al.)
In this video, mixtures of inks (likely printer toners) and fluids move and swirl. Magnetic fields contort the ferrofluidic ink and make it dance, while less viscous fluids spread into their surroundings via finger-like protuberances. (Video credit and submission: Antoine Delach)
Artist Sachiko Kodama is known for her mesmerizing ferrofluid sculptures. Ferrofluids are a colloidal liquid consisting of nanoscale ferromagnetic particles and a carrier fluid such as water or oil. They can react strongly to magnetic fields, forming spikes, brain-like whorls, and even labyrinths. (Photo credits: Sachiko Kodama; via freshphotons)
Artist Charles Sowers creates exhibits and public art focused on illuminating natural phenomenon that might otherwise go unnoticed, and much of his work features fluid dynamics directly or indirectly. “Windswept” and “Wave Wall” are both outdoor exhibits that show undulations and vortices corresponding to local wind flow. Other pieces explore ferrofluids through magnetic mazes or feature foggy turbulence. My own favorite, “Drip Chamber”, oozes with viscous fluids whose dripping forms patterns reminiscent of convection cells. Be sure to check out his website for videos of the exhibits in action. (Photo credits: Charles Sowers; submitted by rreis)
In “Millefiori” artist Fabian Oefner mixes watercolors with ferrofluids to create bright fluid microcosms. Each photograph represents an area about the size of a thumbnail. Ferrofluids contain iron-based nanoparticles suspended in a carrier fluid and thus respond to magnetic fields. They can form sharp points, labyrinthine mazes, or even brain-like patterns depending on the magnetic field and the substances surrounding them. For more on this art project, see this interview with the artist. (Photo credit: Fabian Oefner)
In “Ferienne” artist Afiq Omar utilizes ferrofluids, magnetism, and vibration to create analog visual effects. Most of the dot and labyrinthine patterns result from the reaction of a ferrofluid submerged in a nonmagnetic fluid to an external magnetic field. Diffusion effects and surface tension instabilities are also visible in the way the darker ferrofluid breaks down in the carrier fluid. Also be sure to check out Omar’s previously featured fluid film “Ferroux”. (Video credit: Afiq Omar)
A drop of ferrofluid is shaped by seven small circular magnets sitting beneath the glass and paper. Ferrofluids are made up of nanoscale ferromagnetic particles suspended in a carrier liquid. Under the influence of magnetic fields, they can take on fantastic shapes, including sharp-tipped droplets and labyrinthine mazes. This image is taken from the National Academy of Science’s book Convergence, focused on the intersection between science and art. (Photo credit: Felice Frankel)
Bubbles, viscosity, diffusion, capillary action, and ferrofluids all feature in the artistic experiments of Kim Pimmel. Be sure to check out his previous film featured here. (Video credit: Kim Pimmel)
In this video, artist Afiq Omar mixes ferrofluid with soap, alcohol, milk, and other liquids to create a surrealistic fluidic dance. In addition to using different fluid mixtures, I suspect he accomplishes many effects using several different permanent magnets and electromagnets to vary the magnetic fields around the ferrofluid mixtures. (Video credit: Afiq Omar; via Wired)
