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Self-propelled film-boiling liquids

H. Linke·B. J. Aleman·L. D. Melling·M. J. Taormina·M. J. Francis·C. C. Dow-Hygelund·V. Narayanan·R. P. Taylor·A. Stout
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Abstract

We report that liquids perform self-propelled motion when they are placed in contact with hot surfaces with asymmetric (ratchet-like) topology. 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.

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H. Linke, B. J. Aleman, L. D. Melling, M. J. Taormina, M. J. Francis, C. C. Dow-Hygelund, V. Narayanan, R. P. Taylor, A. Stout. 2005-12-27. Self-propelled film-boiling liquids. https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0512246

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