Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
For the first time, response of magnetic fluid microdrops to time dependent magnetic fields are tested in two different experimental conditions (rotating field, crossed static and alternating fields). In both cases, a new shape instability is observed leading to cog-wheels either rotating either motionless. A simple model account for the stability range of oblate ellipsoidal shapes and for the lateral peak instability leading to the cogs which crown the cog-wheel.