Ferrofluid

How it works:

Revolving the knob, you can adjust the current in the tapered coil. As the current increases, so does the energy of the coil’s magnetic field. Ferrofluid in the tank interacts with the magnetic field and “climbs” up the cone. Tiny metal particles in the fluid align with the field’s lines, creating regular, fancy looking spikes.

How it’s made:

The tapered coil and ferrofluid tank are situated on a hexagonal plinth, 750 mm height, and covered with a polycarbonate dome, 400 mm in diameter. The plinth itself is made from lacquered MDF boards. The exhibit is also equipped with a multi-turn potentiometer for current adjustment.