Dynamic self-assembly and patterns in electrostatically driven granular media
arXiv:cond-mat/0211070 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.90.114301
Abstract
We show that granular media consisting of metallic microparticles immersed in a poorly conducting liquid in strong DC electric field self-assemble a rich variety of novel phases. These phases include static precipitate: honeycombs and Wigner crystals; and novel dynamic condensate: toroidal vortices and pulsating rings. The observed structures are explained by the interplay between charged granular gas and electrohydrodynamic convective flows in the liquid.
4 pages, 6 figures, submitted to Phys.Rev.Lett