Transfer of Energy and Momentum Between Magnetoactive Surface Microstructure and a Solid Object

Transport systems utilizing magnetic materials are very promising for applications that require contactless operation and compatibility with biological processes. A critical parameter in these systems is the efficiency of energy and momentum transfer between the transporting platform and the objects being transported. We investigate the physical mechanisms driving directional transport of solid objects by microlamellar structures laser‐inscribed on the surface of a magnetoactive elastomer (MAE). When subjected to a rotating magnetic field with a magnitude of 175 mT and a time period of 0.4 s, the lamellas reorient within a few milliseconds, reaching angular velocities up to 1100 rad s −1 . This rapid motion is crucial for efficient momentum and energy transfer to objects in contact with the lamellas. The analysis of collisions of a single lamella with a lead ball with a 2.2 mm diameter shows that the lamella can transfer around 50 nJ of energy, propelling the ball to a speed of around 35 mm s −1 . We show how this value sets the upper limit for the ball's transport speed on microlamellar structures. We also explain the background of three distinct transport regimes (kicking, pushing, and bouncing modes) observed on these magnetically driven “conveyor belts”.