Revista de Ciências Químicas

Relaxation Oscillations in Floating Liquid Bridges

Abstract

Teschke O, Gomes WE, Roberto de Castro J, Filho JFV and Soares DM

A floating liquid bridge configuration that operates in a pulsed relaxation mode in which charge (cations) and fluid injection alternatively assume forward and opposite directions in the bridge structure is reported. Cations formed at the high voltage anode are surrounded by clusters of dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) molecules that migrate to the cathode resulting in forward fluid transport with a period of ~200 s until an equilibrium point is attained. The fluid motion then assumes the opposite direction of the current for~60 s. Charged clusters travel to the bridge surface modifying its structural properties forming a plastic layer with an ~85 KPa stiffness.