Dynamics of magnetically levitated droplets

Liquid droplets are steadily levitated without any contact by the magnetic force exerted by a superconducting magnet. When a single levitated droplet is set in a particular vibration mode, the surface tension of the liquid ca n be derived from the measurement of the frequency. Magnetic forces may mod ify the equilibrium shape and the frequency, and numerical calculations are performed to evaluate this effect. When two droplets are injected into the levitation zone, the radial magnetic forces drive them together to the hel d axis. Frequent bounces are observed and first qualitative results from te st experiments are presented to characterize the mechanism. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.