Shape of a fluid drop at a fluid-liquid interface. I. Extension and test of two-phase theory

Abstract

The theory of the shape of a fluid drop at a fluid-liquid interface in two-phase systems was confirmed experimentally by measuring characteristic dimensions of stabilized air bubbles at an air-water interface.

The equilibrium film at the top of the bubble may simultaneously consist of two types of film of different thickness. The condition for this situation and its effect on the permeability of the film to gases is discussed.

Deviations from the shape theory will occur when the tension of the equilibrium film is smaller than twice the normal surface tension. Calculations have been made to extend the theory to systems with such a reduced film tension.