The Formation of the Teapot Effect under Different Forces

Abstract

The phenomenon known as the “teapot effect”, which refers to the movement of fluid along the outer wall of a teapot, has garnered significant attention in recent decades within the field of scientific research. Various methods, including the momentum balance method and the hydrodynamic equations, have been utilized to investigate this phenomenon. In this study, we employ a simplified model to examine the influence of different forces on the fluid as it moves along the solid surface. These forces include the adhesive forces between the solid surface and the fluid, the coupling force within the fluid, and gravity. Additionally, we explore the conditions under which the fluid can separate into distinct layers during the teapot effect. Some layers of the fluid may adhere to the outer wall of the teapot, while others may be expelled. The occurrence of this phenomenon is determined by the relative magnitudes of the different forces acting on the fluid. Furthermore, we analyze and calculate the effect’s dependence on velocity. Through our calculations, we contribute to a deeper understanding of how these forces impact the teapot effect.