- Letter
- Access by Xinjiang University
Imbibition dynamics of an extremely viscous fluid
Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, L072001 – Published 29 July, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/d9nw-s8jd
Abstract
In this Letter, we report on the self-sustained capillary flow of a liquid, which is approximately times more viscous than water, over a long-lasting period of time. The ultraslow flow is primarily driven by the negative curvature pressure sustained by the liquid meniscus that forms inside a horizontal capillary tube. The dynamics reveal a natural infiltration process with long-term diffusive behavior dictated by dominant bulk dissipation. In contrast, the early stages, although spanning more than 24 h of flow, show a clear dependence on the dissipation induced by the moving contact line. We embark on a 30-day experimental journey following the flow of a high-viscosity liquid through a capillary tube to assess how existing theoretical models, which also account for the dynamic nature of the contact angle, perform in long-term imbibition processes.
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