2018/05/24 by K. A. Baldwin, Kyle A. Baldwin, J.-B. de Fouchier +9
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Chemistry · Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Centripetal force #Characterization and Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles #Chemistry #Classical mechanics #Computer science #Electromagnetic induction #Engineering #Levitation #Magnet #Magnetic and Electromagnetic Effects #Magnetic field #Magnetic levitation #Materials science #Mechanical engineering #Mechanics #Micro and Nano Robotics #Microfluidics #Motion (physics) #Nanotechnology #Oscillation (cell signaling) #Physics #Spinning #cond-mat.soft
paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physrevlett.121.064502
published as Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 064502 (2018) · 5 pages, 3 figures, SI material included as pdf
arxiv created 2018/05/24 · openalex publication_date 2018/08/08 · arxiv updated 2018/08/15 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
We demonstrate that the ubiquitous laboratory magnetic stirrer provides a simple passive method of magnetic levitation, in which the so-called "flea" levitates indefinitely. We study the onset of levitation and quantify the flea's motion (a combination of vertical oscillation, spinning and "waggling"), finding excellent agreement with a mechanical analytical model. The waggling motion drives recirculating flow, producing a centripetal reaction force that stabilized the flea. Our findings have implications for the locomotion of artificial swimmers and the development of bidirectional microfluidic pumps, and they provide an alternative to sophisticated commercial levitators.