Theoretical Study Regarding the Flow Conditions for Alloys through Thin Channels

Résumé

A common tool used to demonstrate the phenomenon of movement of liquids through thin channels is the capillary tube. When the lower end of the tube is placed vertically in a liquid (such as water), it forms a concave film. Surface tension pulls the liquid column up until there is a sufficient mass of liquid for gravitational forces to overcome intermolecular forces. The contact length (around the edge) between the top of the liquid column and the tube is proportional to the diameter of the tube, while the weight of the liquid column is proportional to the square of the tube's diameter, so a narrow tube will draw a liquid column higher than a wide tube. This paper wants to bring theoretical arguments to the possible flowing limits for alloys through thin channels.