Orientational preference and predictability in a symmetric arrangement of magnetic drops.

An investigation of a symmetrical arrangement of N quasi-two-dimensional magnetic domains in an external field is carried out. By minimizing the linearized interaction energy for this arrangement using a nearest-neighbor approximation, an orientationally preferred state of the system is found. This orientational preference leads to a large degree of predictability in the final patterns as demonstrated by some experiments using ferrofluids. The final state patterns are also investigated by carrying out a series of numerical simulations. These simulations exhibit a similar predictability and the final patterns bear a strong resemblance to those obtained experimentally.