Expanding the flexibility of dynamics simulation on different size particle–particle interactions by dielectrophoresis

In this paper, we perform flexible and reliable dynamics simulations on different sizes of two or more particles’ interactive motions, where they encounter positive or negative dielectrophoresis (DEP) forces. The particles with identical or non-identical size are in close proximity suspended freely in a solution under a homogeneous electric field. According to the description of classic dipole moment, DEP forces make the particles form a straight chain. Therefore, dynamics simulation based on Newton’s laws is utilized to understand AC DEP phenomena among multiple particles. To solve the relevant governing equations, Stokes drag and repulsive forces (including wall and particles) are combined with DEP forces to obtain the trajectories of particles. Results show that particles with the same sign of the Clausius–Mossotti (CM) factor revolve clockwise or counterclockwise to attract each other parallel to the electric field direction. Conversely, the particle chain is perpendicular to the field. This programmable advantage is of great benefit to the study of three or four particle motions. Meanwhile, the pearl chain consisting of three or four particles is related not only to an individual CM factor but also to initial spatial configuration. Both the cluster and short chain are dependent on symmetry between the geometric distribution and electric field, while it implies different size particles easily cause the chain structure with less time. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10867-018-9514-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.