Browse Physics

Sort by:  
Per Page:   Display:  




Valid search terms include: subject, keyword, author of article, author of highlighted article, article citation (e.g. Physics 3, 16 (2011))

1.
Viewpoint

The Twists and Turns of the Dynamo Effect

Image Thumbnail
Andreas Tilgner, Physics 5, 40 (2012) – Published April 2, 2012
Experimental models of astrophysical and planetary dynamos have been studied in the laboratory and generate magnetic fields with new geometries.
2.
Focus

Magnetic Field Flips Miniature Origami

Image Thumbnail
Physics 4, 93 (2011) – Published November 11, 2011
An improved version of a technique for folding tiny objects from a thin membrane uses a magnetic field to affect the shape. The membrane wraps around a droplet of fluid that distorts in response to the field.
3.
Synopsis

Magnetized plumbing

Image Thumbnail
Published September 15, 2011
Magnetism may propel liquids in a pump without moving parts.
4.
Focus

Liquid Magnet: Stirred, not Shaken

Image Thumbnail
Phys. Rev. Focus 27, 17 (2011) – Published April 29, 2011
Liquid sodium agitated gently in a rotating tank can significantly amplify a magnetic field. The experiment is the first step toward demonstrating a self-sustaining field in a low-turbulence fluid, which may be analogous to Earth’s core.
5.
Focus

Liquid Metal Stirs Itself

Image Thumbnail
Phys. Rev. Focus 25, 8 (2010) – Published March 5, 2010
Heat and a magnetic field cause liquid lithium to swirl rapidly, an effect that could be useful in fusion reactors.
6.
Focus

Molten Metal Magnet

Image Thumbnail
Phys. Rev. Focus 19, 3 (2007) – Published January 30, 2007
A tank of stirred liquid sodium generates a magnetic field even though it’s highly turbulent–a condition closer to real dynamos in planets, stars, and galaxies, but harder to simulate in the lab.