Effect of Ambient-Gas Forced Flow on Oscillatory Thermocapillary Convection of Half-Zone Liquid Bridge

Abstract

The authors focus on thermocapillary-driven flow in a half-zone liquid bridge and its transition from two-dimensional steady flow to three-dimensional oscillatory one under an effect of forced convection in ambient gas region around the liquid bridge. The liquid bridge is settled in a cylindrical 'external shield,' in which upward/downward forced flow of the ambient gas is added. The critical condition of the flow transition in the 2-cSt silicone-oil liquid bridge is examined as functions of the aspect ratio and the volume ratio of the liquid bridge, and averaged velocity of the ambient gas. The authors indicate a significant effect of the external flow around the liquid bridge.