Magnetic Field Geometry and Its Influence on Ferrofluid Droplet Motion

Overview

Magnetic control of liquid droplets offers a way to move and mix fluids without pumps or tubes, which is useful for micro-scale chemical and biological systems. This study examined how different magnet arrangements affect the motion of ferrofluid droplets on a smooth acrylic surface. Six field geometries Under, Beside, Opposite, Diagonal, Triangular, and Offset were compared through a dataset that modeled each configuration’s influence on droplet speed, direction, and merging rate. The Under and Diagonal setups produced the fastest average droplet speeds (1.78 mm s⁻¹ and 1.61 mm s⁻¹) and the highest merging rates, while the Beside and Offset geometries caused slower movement and incomplete coalescence. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) confirmed that field shape had a significant effect. The results matched trends reported in published ferrofluid experiments: stronger vertical magnetic gradients lead to faster and more directed motion. These findings point toward inexpensive, passive ways to route or merge droplets using only permanent magnets. The approach also provides a model for teaching magnetically driven fluid dynamics in school or outreach laboratories.

Competition history

• AJAS 2026 Category not listed

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