The dipole-dipole interaction is a substantial part of the force that holds matter together. Since the electric and magnetic dipole-dipole interactions are mathematically equivalent, this fundamental interaction can be experimentally examined with magnetic spheres. For a numerical investigation the software package “dipole_clusters.py” allows an interactive examination of the dipole arrangement, the field, and the interaction of more than 500 of such clusters. Version 1.2.0 adds a starting condition for the orientation of the dipoles by turning them with respect to their location. In the case of rings, this leads to the Halbach configuration. Moreover, three-dimensional cuts of the four-dimensional tetraplex are now added to the list of Platonic solids.

Version 1.2.0 also added technical animation features: Halbach configurations as starting condition. Stopping the cluster rotation produces a file with an image of the cluster configuration. Additional sliders to controlo the direction of the field examination ando the location of the second cluster.