Retention forces of a liquid slug in a rough capillary tube with symmetric or asymmetric features.

摘要: On surfaces with asymmetric "sawtooth" features, liquid slugs or drops tend to move preferentially in one direction. In this theoretical study, the imbalance of capillary forces that leads directionally biased wetting is examined. Capillary tubes symmetric and sawtooth features were used estimate ratios retention opposing directions. Our analysis suggests difference between force direction versus other can be maximized by increasing feature asymmetry minimizing inherent hysteresis materials construction. This work has implications for small channels fluid-handling components found microfluidic devices fuel cells.