INS seminars 57

Abstract:

Using long wave theory and direct numerical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations we investigate thermocapillary flows arising in a thin liquid film covering a heated solid substrate with non-uniform temperature in form of traveling thermal waves. Our results indicate that unidirectionally propagating interfacial waves are formed in the liquid film. The interfacial waves transport liquid, thereby creating a net pumping effect. We show that the frequency of thermal waves leading to the most efficient pumping is defined by their wave length and weakly depends on other system parameters. The results are useful for designing new methods for transporting liquids in open microfluidic devices.