Novel applications of diffusion-driven flow

Author(s)
Allshouse, Michael R
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.
Advisor
Thomas Peacock.
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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.
Description
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2010.
 
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
 
Includes bibliographical references (p. 71-72).
 
Date issued
2010
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/61589
Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Mechanical Engineering.
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