Thermodiffusieve

Thermodiffusive is a term that describes phenomena related to the combined effects of heat and mass transport. Specifically, it refers to the diffusion of a substance driven by a temperature gradient. This is also known as the Soret effect or thermodiffusion. When a mixture of substances is subjected to a temperature difference, the components will redistribute themselves. Typically, the heavier or less volatile components concentrate in the colder regions, while the lighter or more volatile components migrate towards the hotter regions.

The magnitude of this effect depends on several factors, including the properties of the diffusing species, the composition of the mixture, and the temperature gradient itself. Thermodiffusive effects are important in various scientific and engineering applications. For example, they play a role in separation processes like distillation and in geological phenomena such as the formation of sedimentary rocks. In astrophysics, thermodiffusion can influence the composition of stars and interstellar clouds. Research into thermodiffusive phenomena is ongoing, seeking to better understand and utilize these coupled transport processes.