Mechanisms of capillarity via supercomputer simulation (Q1105413)

Fundamental mechanisms of capillary action are developed qualitatively from a classical molecular point of view. Relative to rising capillary motion, it is found that the first prerequisite is that the fluid adhesion to a tube wall must be adequate to overcome the effects of both gravity and intermolecular fluid forces. This condition is independent of the tube width and enables a molecular layer of fluid to rise. Thereafter, an additional prerequisite is that the intermolecular fluid forces must be adequate to raise the interior particles along with the fluid particles along the walls. This condition depends on the tube width. Relative to falling capillary motion, corresponding conditions hold. Illustrative CRAY X-MP/24 computer examples are described and discussed. Finally, on the basis of available experimental data, it is surmised that wall adhesion is of a coulombic nature.