arXiv · nlin/0504008
Hexagons become second if symmetry is broken
Abstract
Pattern formation on the free surface of a magnetic fluid subjected to a magnetic field is investigated experimentally. By tilting the magnetic field the symmetry can be broken in a controllable manner. When increasing the amplitude of the tilted field, the flat surface gives way to liquid ridges. A further increase results in a hysteretic transition to a pattern of stretched hexagons. The instabilities are detected by means of a linear array of magnetic hall sensors and compared with theoretical predictions.
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Bert Reimann, Reinhard Richter, Holger Knieling, Rene Friedrichs, Ingo Rehberg. 2005-04-04. Hexagons become second if symmetry is broken. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.71.055202
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