4 ms·
The big problem is that as you scale down the relative importance of different forces change. Surface tension and viscosity become overwhelming strong compared
by alpsgolden 11y ago
The big problem is that as you scale down the relative importance of different forces change. Surface tension and viscosity become overwhelming strong compared to any sort of mechanical force. Anything like a gear or propeller is useless, rather you have to rely on self-generated chemical gradients. No one has yet developed these forms of motion and power using entirely nanoscale physical principles.
- abandonliberty 11y agoI had never thought about the actual feasibility of fantasy miniaturization until SMBC: http://www.smbc-comics.com/?id=3655 http://www.smbc-comics.com/?id=3655
- abecedarius 11y agoDrexler's Nanosystems does have designs and analyses of bearings, gears, and motors. Surface tension and viscosity are avoided by running in a vacuum-tight box. (There's some discussion of lower-performance interim systems to work in solution.)