Deformation of a Magnetic Fluid Droplet under Magnetic Field

Surface shape of a magnetic fluid droplet under homogeneous and uniform magnetic field has been discussed by several researchers. However, the deformation of a magnetic fluid droplet under non-uniform magnetic field is not clear. In this paper, behaviors of a magnetic fluid droplet under non-uniform magnetic field are studied. The surface deformation of the droplet is investigated using CCD camera before and after its impact on the solid surface. It is shown that non-uniform magnetic field breaks axisymmetry of the droplet shape. After the impact on the solid surface, the magnetic fluid droplet forms a thin disk and then several spike-like cusps appears.