Shape of an elastic loop strongly bent by surface tension: experiments and comparison with theory

Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys. 2012 Aug;86(2 Pt 2):026119. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.86.026119. Epub 2012 Aug 30.

Abstract

When a very flexible wire is dipped into a soapy solution, it collapses onto itself. We consider the regions of high curvature where the wire folds back onto itself, enclosing a capillary film. The shapes of these end loops are measured in experiments using soap films and compared to a known similarity solution. The sizes of these structures provide a simple and reliable way to measure surface tension.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Computer Simulation
  • Models, Statistical
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Physics / methods*
  • Pliability
  • Rotation
  • Software
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Surface Properties
  • Surface Tension*
  • Tensile Strength