The elastic and capillary interactions between a pair of colloidal particles trapped on top of a nematic film are studied theoretically for large separations d. The elastic interaction is repulsive and of quadrupolar type, varying as d⁻⁵. For macroscopically thick films, the capillary interaction is likewise repulsive and proportional to d⁻⁵ as a consequence of mechanical isolation of the syste...

Surface-piercing vegetation often captures particles that flow on the water surface, where surface tension forces contribute to capture. Yet the physics of capillary capture in flow has not been addressed. Here we model the capture of floating particles by surface-piercing collectors at moderately low Reynolds numbers (Re<10). We find a trade-off between the capillary force, which increases wit...

Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of end-stage renal disease in the Western world. Inadequate control of both systemic and glomerular capillary pressure in diabetics results in increasing hydraulic force and mechanical stretch on the glomeruli, with a subsequent increase in proteinuria and ultimately glomerulosclerosis. Therapeutic strategies that combine systemic and glomerular ...

A simple, low-cost and on-demand microfluidic flow controlling platform was developed based on a unique capillary-tuned solenoid microvalve suction effect without any outer pressure source. The suction effect was innovatively employed as a stable and controllable driving force for the manipulation of the microfluidic system by connecting a piece of capillary between the microvalve and the micro...

In a two-phase heat transfer device, achieving high capillarity of the wick while reducing flow resistance within limited space becomes key to improving dissipation performance. As commonly used structure, mesh is widely employed because its permeability. However, desired capillary performance often requires multiple layers be superimposed ensure an adequate capillary, resulting in increased th...

The aim of this thesis work was to gain understanding of the interactions between talc mineral and surfaces, liquids and chemicals relevant for industrial applications, such as pulp and paper. Talc is used in the pulp and paper industry as a filler pigment, in control of pitch (lipophilic extractives) deposits and as a coating pigment. A deeper understanding of talc interactions will be benefic...

Liquid capillary-bridge formation between solid particles has a critical influence on the rheological properties of granular materials and, in particular, efficiency fluidized bed reactors. The available analytical and semi-analytical methods have inherent limitations, often do not cover important aspects, like presence non-axisymmetric bridges. Here, we conduct numerical simulations capillary ...