Monte Carlo simulations of magnetic particle suspensions with a simple assessment method for the particle overlap between magnetic spheroids

Abstract

We have developed a simple assessment method for the overlap between spheroidal particles, which neither requires the complex manipulation of vectors and matrices that is indispensable in the ordinary methods, nor is based on a model potential. Moreover, we have developed an evaluation method for the interaction energy arising from the overlap of the steric layer coating spheroidal particles. This is based on a sphere-connected particle model, but some modifications are introduced in order to express an appropriate repulsive interaction energy at the deepest overlapping position. We have investigated the phase change in a magnetic spheroidal particle suspension for a two-dimensional system by means of Monte Carlo simulations. In the case of no external magnetic field, if the magnetic particle-particle interaction is sufficiently strong to favour cluster formation, long raft-like clusters tend to be formed in a dilute situation. With decreasing values of area fraction, a chain-like structure in a dense situation transforms into a raft-like structure within a narrow range of the particle area fraction. Similarly, the raft-like clusters are preferred in a weak applied magnetic field, but an increase in the field strength induces a phase change from a raft-like into a chain-like structure.

Highlights of the present paper:

1. A simple assessment method has been proposed for the overlap between two spheroidal particles.

2. The particle overlap assessment is free from a complex mathematical manipulation regarding vectors and matrices.

3. A modified sphere-connected model has been proposed in order to more accurately evaluate a repulsive interaction due to the overlap of the steric layers coating spheroidal particles.

4. 2D Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to elucidate the phenomenon of a phase change by magnetic spheroidal particles on a material plane surface.

5. A phase change between a raft-like and a chain-like aggregate structure is able to be controlled by the area fraction of particles and an external magnetic field.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• magnetic colloidal dispersion
• magnetic spheroidal particle
• overlap assessment
• Monte Carlo simulation
• phase change