arXiv subjects

Thomas M. Hermans

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas M. Hermans.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Lubrication-Induced Newtonianization Enables Passive Transport of Non-Newtonian materials

Non Newtonian flows are typically governed by intrinsic bulk rheology, which imposes strong constraints on transport through confined geometries. Here, we show that stable boundary lubrication can fundamentally alter this behavior by localizing shear within a thin, low-viscosity interfacial layer. As a result, the nonlinear rheological response of a broad class of complex materials, including yield-stress, shear-dependent, and thixotropic materials, is strongly suppressed during flow. Using analytical solutions of Stokes flow and numerical simulations, we demonstrate that lubrication-induced shear localization leads to an apparent Newtonianization of transport, in which the macroscopic flow response becomes primarily controlled by the lubricating layer and geometric confinement rather than the intrinsic material properties. In this regime, materials that would otherwise require large pressure gradients can be transported at substantially lower driving forces. Notably, this boundary-dominated transport enables gravity-driven passive flow with orders-of-magnitude enhancement in throughput compared to rigid-wall conduits. These results establish lubrication as a powerful mechanism for tuning and simplifying complex fluid transport, with implications for biological systems, soft and jammed materials, and energy-efficient fluids.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2021

Fluid drag reduction by magnetic confinement

The frictional forces of a viscous liquid flow are a major energy loss issue and severely limit microfluidics practical use. Reducing this drag by more than a few tens of percent remain illusive. Here, we show how cylindrical liquid-in-liquid flow leads to drag reduction of 60-99% for sub mm and mm sized channels, irrespective of whether the viscosity of the transported liquid is larger or smaller than that of the encapsulating one. In contrast to lubrication or sheath flow, we do not require the continuous flow of the encapsulating lubricant, here made up of a ferrofluid held in place by magnetic forces. In a laminar flow model with appropriate boundary conditions, we introduce a modified Reynolds number with a scaling that depends on geometrical factors and viscosity ratio of the two liquids. It explains our whole range of data and reveal the key design parameters for optimizing the drag reduction values. Our results therefore open the route to microfluidics designs with pressure gradients possibly reduced by orders of magnitudes.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Helium Ion Microscopy for Reduced Spin Orbit Torque Switching Currents

Spin orbit torque driven switching is a favourable way to manipulate nanoscale magnetic objects for both memory and wireless communication devices. The critical current required to switch from one magnetic state to another depends on the geometry and the intrinsic properties of the materials used, which are difficult to control locally. Here we demonstrate how focused helium ion beam irradiation can modulate the local magnetic anisotropy of a Co thin film at the microscopic scale. Real-time in-situ characterisation using the anomalous Hall effect showed up to an order of magnitude reduction of the magnetic anisotropy under irradiation, and using this, multi-level switching is demonstrated. The result is that spin-switching current densities, down to 800 kA cm$^{-2}$, can be achieved on predetermined areas of the film, without the need for lithography. The ability to vary critical currents spatially has implications not only for storage elements, but also neuromorphic and probabilistic computing.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗