Electromechanics of Particles

Electromechanics of Particles is the first book to describe field-particle interactions in diverse areas of science and technology and to show that these quite different technologies are based on similar electromechanical phenomena. It is written in a clear and engaging style and includes numerous real-world examples and a general, easy-to-use predictive model useful to engineers and scientists who work with particles or powders and granular materials.

Small particles in the size range from one micron to one millimetre are increasingly important in today's technological world. They serve as workhorses in many mechanisms and devices - from electrostatic copiers to fluidised beds. A more recent development involves the characterisation and manipulation of individual cells and DNA molecules. Particulates can also be a hazard, for example, particulate pollution. Because all particles have electrical and magnetic properties associated with their shape and the materials of which they are constituted, they experience forces and torques when subjected to electric and/or magnetic fields. This book offers a lucid account of the electromechanical interactions that govern the behaviour of particles when an electric or magnetic field is present. With numerous real-world examples, the book should interest a wide range of scientists and engineers.

Introduction; Fundamentals; Dielectrophoresis and magnetophoresis; Particle rotation; Orientation of non-spherical particles; Theory of particle chains; Force interactions between particles; Appendices.

Because all particles have electrical and magnetic properties associated with their shape and the materials of which they are constituted, they experience forces and torques when subjected to electric and/or magnetic fields. This book offers a lucid account of the electromechanical interactions that govern the behaviour of particles when an electric or magnetic field is present.