Elementary formal stochastic theory of surface analogues of thermal transpiration and thermal diffusion

Abstract

By appropriate modifications of elementary stochastic treatments of Brownian motion in a gradient of temperature, or of thermal diffusion in gases, it is possible to formulate stochastic equations for surface analogues of thermal transpiration and thermal diffusion. In the expressions which result, “kinetic” stochastic magnitudes appear intermingled in a not very simple way with such properties as the dependence of the adsorption isotherm on temperature. The phenomena discussed may be significant when considering surface flows as interfering effects in thermal transpiration in the bulk gaseous phase.