Equilibrium States of a Liquid Bridge between Flexible Sheets

Abstract

We study the equilibrium states of a drop between flexible sheets clamped on both ends. Revisiting first the case of parallel sheets, we find multiple equilibria, which we classify in a parameter space. In solution branching diagrams, we identify hysteresis cycles and folds indicating abrupt transitions, yet not necessarily leading to channel collapse. Between nonparallel sheets, a drop can stay in equilibrium away from the ends even when the liquid is not totally wetting, which is impossible between nonparallel rigid plates. We also show that nonparallel sheets can delay or prevent collapse in comparison to straight channels, suggesting thus a mechanism that protects slender structures inside microdevices from damage by surface tension.