Oscillation of a Magnetically Levitated Diamagnetic Droplet Under a Vertical Magnetic Disturbance

The oscillation of a magnetically levitated liquid droplet in a magnetic fluid is studied theoretically and experimentally. In the theoretical analysis, a small amplitude nonviscous linear theory is adopted. Two models are employed according to the difference in both the magnetic and capillary pressures acting on the interface. Resonance angular frequencies of the levitated liquid droplet are obtained. The responses of the droplet to magnetic field disturbances are discussed. A pair of cylindrical permanent magnetic like poles was set face to face to form a static magnetic field that was used to levitate a diamagnetic liquid or water droplet in a diluted oil-base magnetic fluid, and a pair of electromagnets was used to produce the magnetic disturbances in experiments.