Session P21: Microfluidic Physics III
11:15 AM–2:03 PM, Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Baltimore Convention Center Room: 318
Sponsoring Unit:
DFD
Chair: Mark Robbins, John Hopkins University
Abstract ID: BAPS.2006.MAR.P21.11
Abstract: P21.00011 : Self-propelled film-boiling liquids
1:15 PM–1:27 PM
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Abstract 
Authors:
Heiner Linke
Michael Taormina
Benjamin Aleman
Laura Melling
Corey Dow-Hygelund
Richard Taylor
(University of Oregon)
Matthew Francis
(University of Sydney)
We report that liquids perform self-propelled motion when they are placed in contact with hot surfaces with asymmetric (ratchet-like) topology. Millimeter-sized droplets or slugs accelerate at rates up to 0.1 g and reach terminal velocities of several cm/s, sustained over distances up to a meter. The pumping effect is observed when the liquid is in the film-boiling regime, for many liquids and over a wide temperature range. We propose that liquid motion is driven by a viscous force exerted by vapor flow between the solid and the liquid. This heat-driven pumping mechanism may be of interest in cooling applications, eliminating the need for an additional power source.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2006.MAR.P21.11