Statics of Magnetic Bead Chain in Magnetic Field

Experimental, numerical, and theoretical investigations have been carried out on statics of magnetic bead chain in magnetic field. Chains formed on a solenoid coil were observed and chain lengths and slant angles were measured. It was clarified that the chain length depends on both the density of magnetic particles and the magnetic flux density. It was also clarified that chains have inclinations in the inclined magnetic field and that the inclination of a chain is enlarged by the gravitational force. These configurations of chains are determined to minimize the total potential energy that consists of the gravitational and magnetic potential energy. These characteristics were also confirmed by the numerical calculation with the Distinct Element Method.