Conclusions and outlook

The use of a Lagrangian measurement, such as that performed by the instrumented particle used here, has highlighted the essential role played by thermal plumes in heat transport. While their role and existence have been widely discussed in the literature, our approach of a measurement in the frame of reference of the moving fluid provides a direct illustration and measurement.

This type of probe, which is autonomous and delivers a real-time measurement intrinsic to transport, can be used in many fields. Constant advances in microelectronics mean that probes are becoming smaller and smaller, requiring less and less power. The variety of sensors that can be embedded is constantly increasing with advances in microelectronics.