Dynamics of Janus magnetic particles in a confined shear flow

  • Kang, Tae Gon (Korea Aerospace University)

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Janus particles are micro- or nano-sized particles that possess asymmetry and directionality in their chemical or physical properties within a single particle. Among them, Janus magnetic particles composed of two materials with distinct magnetic properties exhibit field-induced behaviors arising from orientation-dependent magnetic interactions [1]. Under an externally applied magnetic field, these particles form self-assembled structures whose characteristics depend on particle shape, the confinement of magnetic materials, particle orientation, and the surrounding flow environment. Despite extensive studies on field-induced self-assembly[2-5], the combined effects of magnetic interactions, hydrodynamic forces, and wall confinement on the dynamics of Janus magnetic particles in shear flow remain incompletely understood. In this study, we numerically investigate the dynamics of Janus magnetic particles suspended in a confined shear flow subjected to an externally applied uniform magnetic field using a previously developed numerical scheme[2,3]. Single-particle, two-particle, and multiple-particle problems are considered, with particular emphasis on particle dynamics in a periodic channel. The effects of particle type—including nonmagnetic, magnetically isotropic, and Janus magnetic particles—are systematically examined. We focus on how initial particle separation, the ratio of viscous force to magnetic force, and wall confinement influence particle trajectories and orientations. The results show that magnetically isotropic particles exhibit passing, returning, or assembly behaviors depending on vertical separation, reflecting the competition among hydrodynamic interactions, wall effects, and magnetic forces. Particle assembly occurs when magnetic and viscous torques are balanced, leading to a stable particle chain with an equilibrium orientation. In contrast, Janus magnetic particles assemble over a narrower range of initial separations due to weaker and orientation-dependent magnetic interactions, resulting in trajectories distinct from those of isotropic magnetic particles. These findings highlight the crucial role of magnetic anisotropy and confinement in governing particle interactions and provide insight into the manipulation of Janus magnetic particles in confined shear flows.