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Fluid dynamics

Propelled by diffusion

The process of diffusion isn't usually expected to be able to generate useful work. But when a neutrally buoyant wedge object is placed in a fluid with a vertical density gradient, the diffusion-driven flow of material can indeed generate a measureable horizontal propulsion.

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Figure 1: The effects of diffusion-driven flow.

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Page, M. Propelled by diffusion. Nature Phys 6, 486–487 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphys1718

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