A new paradigm for treating the singularity in the stress tensor at the contact line

Author

Kimberly Dawn Meredith

Date of Award

8-1993

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Engineering Science

Major Professor

W. E. Scott

Committee Members

Joe Iannelli, Judy Cezeaux

Abstract

When two fluids incapable of mixing adjoin, a fluid-fluid interface is formed. Where this interface joins a solid surface is the contact line. Much study has been devoted to static contact lines, but dynamic contact line motion has received little attention.

Because the Newtonian shear stress tensor is singular at the contact line, this study attempts to resolve the singularity by using non-equilibrium continuum mechanics. This contact line model includes additional strain rate terms caused by molecular rotation of the fluid particles in the interfacial region. These terms are placed in the angular momentum and energy equations.

This model does indeed resolve the shear stress and shear force singularity at the contact line. The results also compare favorably with a previous contact line study conducted using an ad hoc method with slip boundary conditions (Dussan V., 1976).

Recommended Citation

Meredith, Kimberly Dawn, "A new paradigm for treating the singularity in the stress tensor at the contact line. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1993.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/11958