Novel applications of diffusion-driven flow

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.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Allshouse, Michael R

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Thomas Peacock.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/61589

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/61589