The effect of an external magnetic field on the structure of liquid water using molecular dynamics simulation

Through a series of molecular dynamics simulations based on the flexible three-centered water model, this study analyzes the structural changes induced in liquid water by the application of a magnetic field with a strength ranging from 1 to 10 T. It is found that the number of hydrogen bonds increases slightly as the strength of the magnetic field is increased. This implies that the size of a water cluster can be controlled by the application of an external magnetic field. The structure of the water is analyzed by calculating the radial distribution function of the water molecules. The results reveal that the structure of the water is more stable and the ability of the water molecules to form hydrogen bonds is enhanced when a magnetic field is applied. In addition, the behavior of the water molecules changes under the influence of a magnetic field; for example, the self-diffusion coefficient of the water molecules decreases. © 2006 American Institute of Physics. DOI: 10.1063/1.2335971