Novel applications of diffusion-driven flow

Abstract

Diffusion-driven flow is the result of a conflict between hydrostatic equilibrium in a density stratified fluid and the no-flux boundary condition that must be obeyed on impermeable boundaries that are sloping with respect to gravity. This conflict results in a boundary layer flow, and in this thesis we present two novel applications of diffusion-driven flow. First, it is demonstrated that diffusion-driven flow can spontaneously propel asymmetric floating objects. Then, it is shown that the properties of diffusion-driven flow in a fissure can be exploited to make reliable measurements of molecular diffusivity.