Forward, reverse, and no motion of Marangoni surfers under confinement
Saeed Jafari Kang, Samrat Sur, Jonathan P. Rothstein, Hassan Masoud
Abstract
The propulsion characteristics of Marangoni surfers under confinement is examined. Through experimental measurements and numerical simulations, it is demonstrated that, contrary to what might be the usual expectation, the surfers may propel themselves in the direction of lower surface tension. It is discovered that negative pressure is the primary contributor to the fluid force experienced by the surfer and that this suction force is mainly responsible for the reverse Marangoni propulsion.
Topics & Concepts
Marangoni effectPropulsionSurface tensionSuctionMechanicsTension (geology)PhysicsMotion (physics)PlanarClassical mechanicsMeteorologyConvectionComputer scienceThermodynamicsComputer graphics (images)Moment (physics)Micro and Nano RoboticsExperimental and Theoretical Physics StudiesFluid Dynamics Simulations and Interactions