Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
08:42
How to Ignite an Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma Torch without Any Additional Igniters
Published on: April 16, 2015
Gas flow driven by thermal creep in dusty plasma
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|November 13, 2009
Summary
Thermal creep flow (TCF) was demonstrated in dusty plasma experiments. This gas flow, driven by temperature gradients, stirred dust particles, confirming TCF causes steady-state gas flow in confined volumes.
Area of Science:
- Fluid mechanics
- Plasma physics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Thermal creep flow (TCF) is a gas flow driven by temperature gradients along solid boundaries.
- TCF is relevant in microfluidic devices and rarefied gas dynamics.
- Experimental verification of TCF in complex systems like dusty plasmas is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate and isolate thermal creep flow (TCF) in a dusty plasma.
- To investigate the effect of TCF on the bulk gas and dust particle suspension.
- To provide fluid mechanics with experimental verification of TCF-induced gas flow.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a dusty plasma confined in a glass box with laser-heated stripes.
- Implementing an experimental design to isolate TCF from thermophoretic forces.
- Observing dust particle suspension motion and eliminating alternative explanations.
Main Results:
- Laser-induced temperature gradients generated TCF and thermophoretic forces.
- A stirring motion of the dust particle suspension was observed.
- The observed stirring was attributed to TCF coupling with the bulk gas via drag.
Conclusions:
- TCF at the boundary couples to the bulk gas, inducing bulk flow.
- This induced bulk flow stirs the dust particle suspension.
- The experiment provides the first direct evidence of TCF causing steady-state gas flow in a confined volume within the slip-flow regime.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Couette Flow
Couette flow represents the flow of fluid between two parallel plates, with one plate fixed and the other moving with a constant velocity. This configuration allows for a simplified analysis using the Navier-Stokes equations, which govern fluid motion under conditions of viscosity and incompressibility. For Couette flow, the assumptions include a steady, laminar, incompressible flow with a zero-pressure gradient in the flow direction. This flow type is beneficial for understanding shear-driven...
01:17Steady, Laminar Flow Between Parallel Plates
Understanding steady, laminar flow between parallel plates is essential for analyzing and designing flow in narrow rectangular channels, commonly found in various water conveyance and drainage systems. The Navier-Stokes equations govern fluid motion and are generally challenging to solve due to their nonlinearity. However, simplifications are possible in certain cases, like the steady laminar flow between parallel plates. For this scenario, we assume steady, incompressible, laminar flow.
01:23Steady, Laminar Flow in Circular Tubes
Hagen-Poiseuille flow describes a viscous fluid's steady, incompressible flow through a cylindrical tube with a constant radius R. This flow profile is often applied to understand fluid transport in narrow channels, such as capillaries. It serves as a foundational example of laminar flow. In this model, cylindrical coordinates (r,θ,z) are used to describe the radial (r), angular (θ), and axial (z) dimensions within the tube. For Hagen-Poiseuille flow, the velocity profile is purely axial,...
01:09Turbulent Flow: Problem Solving
Carbonation is a process used to dissolve carbon dioxide gas in a liquid, commonly used in the production of carbonated beverages. Achieving efficient carbonation requires careful control of temperature, pressure, and flow conditions. By adjusting these parameters, carbonation efficiency can be maximized, producing a higher concentration of CO2 in the liquid.
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures enhance...
Temperature is a key factor in CO2 solubility. In this case, the CO2 gas and the liquid are cooled to 20°C. Lower temperatures enhance...
01:24Turbulent Flow
Turbulent flow is characterized by unpredictable fluctuations in velocity and pressure, which result in a chaotic fluid movement distinct from the orderly patterns of laminar flow. While laminar flow is governed by smooth, parallel layers with minimal mixing, turbulent flow exhibits highly irregular, three-dimensional patterns. This behavior arises due to instabilities in the fluid's velocity profile, and amplifies as the flow velocity increases. Minor disturbances, known as turbulent spots,...
01:16Physical Principles Governing Gas Exchange
Gas behavior plays a vital role in understanding bodily processes such as external and internal respiration. External respiration involves the diffusion of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of it in the lungs. In contrast, internal respiration happens in body tissues, where these gases move in opposite directions.
Gas Laws Governing Respiration
The behavior of gases is guided by Dalton's Law of partial pressures and Henry's Law.
Dalton's Law asserts that the total pressure exerted by...
Gas Laws Governing Respiration
The behavior of gases is guided by Dalton's Law of partial pressures and Henry's Law.
Dalton's Law asserts that the total pressure exerted by...