Capillary Rise Height
Capillary rise height is the maximum height that a liquid can penetrate into a narrow gap. It depends on surface energy and density.
Physico-chemical mechanism of action
Capillary rise height describes how high a liquid can penetrate into a narrow gap. This effect is caused by surface forces between the liquid and the gap materials. The smaller the gap and the higher the surface energy of the liquid, the further it penetrates.
Metallurgical relevance & risks when welding
When joining steels, capillary rise height can influence the behavior of the molten solder. A too large gap can lead to pore formation because the solder cannot fill completely. This can impair the strength and toughness of the joint.
Workshop practice & instructions
To ensure an optimal joint, it is important to keep the gap as narrow as possible without being too small. This can be achieved by choosing the right welding technique and joint design. A large gap should be avoided as the solder cannot fill completely and pores may form.