The magneto-elastica: from self-buckling to self-assembly
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Origami Inspired Self-assembly of Patterned and Reconfigurable Particles
Published on: February 4, 2013
Dominic Vella1, Emmanuel du Pontavice1, Cameron L Hall1
1Mathematical Institute , University of Oxford , Oxford OX2 6GG, UK.
Abstract:
Spherical neodymium-iron-boron magnets are permanent magnets that can be assembled into a variety of structures owing to their high magnetic strength. A one-dimensional chain of these magnets responds to mechanical loadings in a manner reminiscent of an elastic rod. We investigate the macroscopic mechanical properties of assemblies of ferromagnetic spheres by considering chains, rings and chiral cylinders of magnets. Based on energy estimates and simple experiments, we introduce an effective magnetic bending stiffness for a chain of magnets and show that, used in conjunction with classic results for elastic rods, it provides excellent estimates for the buckling and vibration dynamics of magnetic chains. We then use this estimate to understand the dynamic self-assembly of a cylinder from an initially straight chain of magnets.
Related Concept Videos
Members Made of Elastoplastic Material
As the bending moment...
Residual Stresses in Bending
Relation between Poisson's ratio, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity
Plastic Deformations
Plastic Deformations
Deformation of Member under Multiple Loadings
In the case of a member with a variable cross-section, the strain is not constant but depends on the position. The deformation of an...

