On the phase transition in ferrofluids

A. Yu. Zubarev - L. Yu. Iskakova

Department of Mathematical Physics, Ural State University, 51 Lenin Av., 620083 Ekaterinburg, Russia

Abstract
We present results of a theoretical study of scenarios of condensation phase transitions in the systems of identical spherical particles, each having a permanent magnetic moment. It is taken into account that the linear chain-like aggregates can appear in a system of particles before their bulk condensation. Analysis shows that without external magnetic field this condensation is similar to the classical ``gas--liquid'' phase transition in an ensemble of chains and single particles. In the case of infinitely strong magnetic field, the appearance of the chains blocks the ``gas-liquid'' phase transition; the experimentally observed condensation of particles must be rather of ``gas--solid'' type. Figs 3, Refs 22.