DYNAMICS OF PATTERN-FORMATION IN MAGNETIC FLUIDS

A model for the formation of labyrinthine patterns by thin domains of magnetic fluids is described. The dynamics is derived variationally fr om an energy functional which reflects a competition between surface t ension and long-range magnetic interactions. A detailed linear stabili ty analysis for circular shapes reveals the mechanism of pattern forma tion and the characteristic mode of instability. Numerical study of th e fully non-linear regime reveals branched patterns whose details are sensitively dependent on initial conditions, as in experiment. Connect ions with glassy systems and spin models are suggested.