Low symmetry patterns on magnetic fluids.
The pattern formation on the free surface of a magnetic fluid subjected simultaneously to a vertical and a horizontal magnetic field is investigated theoretically. In this anisotropic system planforms less symmetric then squares and hexagons arise. The relative stability of parallel ridges and asymmetric patterns, periodic on a rectangular or a rhombic lattice, is studied using a perturbative energy minimization procedure. Moreover, the interplay between the anisotropy and the broken up-down symmetry of the system is quantitatively analyzed.
Friedrichs
René
R
FNW/ITP, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Postfach 4120, D-39016 Magdeburg, Germany. rene.friedrichs@physik.uni-magdeburg.de