Why capillarity and surface tension effects in most mechanical engineering applications can be neglected?

Answer 1

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Mechanical engineering covers a wide range of technologies so for the majority of these capillarity action or surface tension have no impact on a successful design. 

There are some things where it is important such as the cylinder walls of an internal combustion engine where the wetting of the walls with lubricant prior to the start of the engine is important to prevent premature wear to the cylinder walls.

• I Am Who I Am6 days agoReport

  You even provided an example. Tremendously great explanation and straight to the point! Thank you so much for the pointers. 
  

Answer 2

Because their effect are orders of magnitude smaller than the main mechanical forces. Moreover, mechanical surfaces are usually machined to tight tolerance and smooth finish, using impermeable material.