The shape of two-dimensional liquid bridges

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Teixeira, PIC (Author) Other; Teixeira, MAC (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Physics Condensed Matter

Vol. 32

ISSN: 0953-8984

Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 9 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-N2R

DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ab48b7

Abstract (EN): We have studied a single vertical, two-dimensional liquid bridge spanning the gap between two flat, horizontal solid substrates of given wettabilities. For this simple geometry, the Young-Laplace equation can be solved (quasi-)analytically to yield the equilibrium bridge shape under gravity. We establish the range of gap widths (as described by a Bond number Bo) for which the liquid bridge can exist, for given contact angles at the top and bottom substrates (theta(t)(c) and theta(b)(c), respectively). In particular, we find that the absolute maximum span of a liquid bridge is four capillary lengths, for theta(b)(c) = 180 degrees and theta(t)(c) = 0 degrees; whereas for theta(b)(c) = 0 degrees and theta(t)(c) = 180 degrees no bridge can form, for any substrate separation. We also obtain the minimum value of the cross-sectional area of such a liquid bridge, as well as the conditions for the existence and positions of any necks or bulges and inflection points on its surface. This generalises our earlier work in which the gap was assumed to be spanned by a liquid film of zero thickness connecting two menisci at the bottom and top substrates.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13