A 3D BEM algorithm for simulations of magnetic fluid droplet dynamics

Abstract

This paper outlines a numerical algorithm that could be used for simulating full 3D dynamics of magnetic fluid droplet shapes in external magnetic fields, by solving boundary integral equations. The algorithm works with arbitrary droplet and carrier fluid viscosity ratios. It is validated with known theoretical relationships. Thus it may be used to evaluate various approximations often used in description of ellipsoidal droplets by comparing droplet dynamics calculated from them to the results obtained numerically from first principles here. The algorithm may be used for investigations of droplet configurations in arbitrary magnetic fields, as well as for indirectly calculating its physical properties and predicting the magnetic field thresholds above which droplet shape can develop instabilities in the form of various spikes.