Duangkamon Baowan
Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University
Experimental and predicted flow rates through carbon nanotubes vary considerably but generally are reported to be well in excess of that predicted by the conventional flow, and therefore nanotubes embedded in a matrix might provide membranes with exceptional mass transport properties. Here, the three forces acting on a nanotube bundle are considered, namely the molecular interaction force, the viscous force, and the static pressure force. We determine the total forces necessary to push one or more of the nanotubes out of the bundle, thus creating a channel through where further enhancement of flow may take place.