A study of capillarity phenomena by using a computer-based simulation approach

Liquid properties are relevant for the understanding of fundamental and applied sciences. Among these properties, those that can be traced back and explained through the surface tension are particularly interesting to study and reconstruct in educational terms. Traditional educational treatment of surface tension is often obscure or too complex, sometimes superficial or completely neglected. The aim of the research here described is to discuss in detail a mesoscopic model of liquids and show quantitative results obtained by a computer simulation approach. Looking at the educational aspect, the main advantage of this approach is that it allows the student/teacher to control the simulation parameters and understand step by step how the physical quantities influence the investigated system. Some of the main properties of capillarity phenomena (meniscus formation, capillary rise, etc) are analysed through the simulation of a liquid in a tray with a capillary tube inside, where a value of surface tension is obtained.