On the theory of structural transformations in thin layers of ferronematics

The Frederiks effect and corrugating effect of the free flat surface of fer ronematics are studied. It is suggested that the characteristic time of fer roparticle reorientation with respect to a liquid-crystalline solvent is ve ry large. The analysis demonstrated that the Frederiks transition in these systems may be exhibited as a result of spatial separation of ferroparticle s with different orientations of magnetic moments in a uniform external mag netic field. Unlike common magnetic fluids, the deformation of a free surfa ce of such ferronematics may occur even in the absence of an external field . The critical magnetization of a ferronematic corresponding to the loss of stability of a flat shape of its surface is calculated, and the equilibriu m wave number of the surface deformations is estimated.