Hydrodynamics substantially affects induced structure formation in magnetic fluids

Magnetorheological fluids consist of micrometer-sized magnetic particles in a carrier liquid. Sufficiently strong external magnetic fields lead to the formation of string-like particle aggregates. We demonstrate that hydrodynamic interactions, that is, mutual couplings via induced flows, play a substantial role during the structuring process. They support the formation of slender chains instead of more compact clusters in the absence of mutual hydrodynamic interactions between the particles. This fundamental insight is substantial from an application perspective, due to the enormous technical importance and potential of structured magnetorheological materials.