文档介绍：A strategy for the assembly of three-dimensional mesoscopic structuresusing a ferro?uidRanjan Gangulya!and Amit P. GaindMechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago,Illinois 60607Ishwar K. Purib!Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,Blacksburg, Virginia 24061sReceived 21 August 2004; accepted 11 March 2005; published online 26 April 2005dAnovel technique for the self-assembly of three-dimensional mesoscopic structures in a forced ?uid?ow by employing a ic ?eld is described. There are advantages of using ic ?elds forthis purpose: unlike many other forces, a ic force is effective even from a distance,permitting “action at a distance,” it is also localized, petition between the ic forceand ?uid shear enables unique self-assembled ferro?uid structures. Herein, a simulation providesinsight into the possibility of using ic ?eld to assemble colloidal nanoparticles intoaggregates. Subsequently, a demonstration experiment is conducted to characterize the developmentand decay of such aggregates. The analysis provides a basis for developing effective self-assemblytechniques for various engineering applications. ?2005 American Institute of : . INTRODUCTIONA self-assembly process is characterized by the sponta-neous and ordered aggregation of ponents.