Kapillærfylling

Kapillærfylling is a term used in various scientific and technical contexts, most commonly in relation to fluid dynamics and materials science. It describes the phenomenon where a liquid is drawn into narrow spaces, such as tubes, cracks, or porous materials, due to the interplay of adhesive and cohesive forces. This movement is driven by capillary action, which arises from the surface tension of the liquid and the wetting properties of the surface it comes into contact with.

When a liquid wets a surface, the adhesive forces between the liquid molecules and the surface molecules are stronger than the cohesive forces between the liquid molecules themselves. This causes the liquid to spread and climb the surface. In narrow channels, this upward or inward movement is amplified, creating a pressure difference that can overcome gravity or other opposing forces. The degree to which a liquid fills a capillary space depends on the radius of the space, the surface tension of the liquid, and the angle of contact between the liquid and the solid surface.

Kapillærfylling plays a crucial role in many natural and technological processes. In biology, it is fundamental to the transport of water and nutrients in plants through xylem vessels and the movement of blood in capillaries. In materials science, it influences the impregnation of porous materials with resins or adhesives, the wicking of liquids in textiles, and the behavior of liquids in microfluidic devices. Understanding kapillærfylling is essential for designing and optimizing processes that involve liquid transport in confined geometries.