Dynamic Self-Assembly and Patterns in Electrostatically Driven Granular Media

Abstract

We show that granular media, consisting of metallic microparticles immersed in a poorly conducting liquid in a strong dc electric field, self-assemble into a rich variety of novel phases. These phases include static precipitates: honeycombs and Wigner crystals; and novel dynamic condensates: toroidal vortices and pulsating rings. The observed structures are explained by the interplay between charged granular gas and electrohydrodynamic convective flows in the liquid.