Effects of volume conservation on Plateau border sag in foams

In the sagging Plateau border model, borders which are loaded with the weight of the liquid that they contain are distorted normal to their length and in varying amounts along their length. Applied to a 3D foam structure, this would result in artificial variations in bubble size/volume, so a Surface Evolver model is developed for conserving the volume of bubbles adjacent to the sagging Plateau border. As a result of this modification to the sagging Plateau border model, the sag is reduced and the adjacent films bulge. An analytical solution for the case of conserved bubble volume shows good agreement with the Surface Evolver simulations. With increased loading the three-film structure collapses under its own weight–as is also the case for unconserved bubble volume. However, the loading that can be supported by the structure is greater with volume conservation than without. Finally, to extend these theoretical results and to obtain an outlook for the use of the sagging border model to simulate the limit of stability of foam structure, the onset of structural rearrangement or ‘convective (structural) instability’ is estimated from collapse in the Surface Evolver simulations.     

Dissolution arrest and stability of particle-covered bubbles

Experiments show that bubbles covered with monodisperse polystyrene particles, with particle to bubble radius ratios of about 0.1, evolve to form faceted polyhedral shapes that are stable to dissolution in air-saturated water. We perform Surface Evolver simulations and find that the faceted particle-covered bubble represents a local minimum of energy. At the faceted state, the Laplace overpressure vanishes, which together with the positive slope of the bubble pressure-volume curve, ensures phase stability. The repulsive interactions between the particles cause a reduction of the curvature of the gas-liquid interface, which is the mechanism that arrests dissolution and stabilizes the bubbles.     

容器内角处流体界面特性与Surface Evolver程序适用性的研究

微重力条件下内角处液体行为的研究对于认识表面张力主导的液体行为, 预测和控制空间微重力条件下的液体位置、瞬时状态, 以及对空间流体进行有效的管理等方面都非常重要. 通过分析接触角与流体界面在容器内角处的接触线方向之间的关系, 并与Concus-Finn理论进行比较, 提出了内角处接触线、接触角和几何形状之间相互关联的机理, 并探讨了Concus和Finn等 的相关理论结果的物理内涵. 在此基础上, 进一步将内角处的相关理论结果与Surface Evolver程序得出的数值结果进行了比较, 指出当容器中的内角小于180°时, Surface Evolver程序通过自动划分网格即可比较准确地预言内角处的接触线和液面行为, 但是当内角大于180°时, 自动划分网格得到的数值结果有较大的误差, 需要通过手动划分网格减少网格奇异才能减小误差. 因此, 对于具有复杂几何形状的容器, 需注意网格的奇异性, 并对内角处的液面进行定量的验证, 才能有效判断Surface Evolver程序结果的正确性. 本工作对于深入认识内角处的液面特性和机理, 理解Surface Evolver程序的适用条件, 以及分析微重力条件下容器内角处的液体行为等方面都具有明显意义.     

Symmetry-breaking transitions and dissociation of two-dimensional Plateau borders

We have experimentally studied the dissociation/coalescence of internal Plateau borders (PBs) in simple monolayer bubble clusters, as a result of changing the liquid fraction. At large liquid content, the clusters consist of n bubbles of the same size, symmetrically placed around an internal n-sided PB (n-PB). On decreasing the liquid fraction we observed symmetry-breaking transitions in the 4- and 5-bubble clusters (but not in the 3-bubble cluster), followed by dissociation of the PBs. We used the Surface Evolver to determine the various equilibrium configurations of the corresponding two-dimensional wet clusters and their surface energies. The sequence of 4-bubble cluster configurations observed on varying the liquid fraction correlates qualitatively with that predicted on the basis of Surface Evolver calculations. The same is not true of the 5-bubble cluster.     

Shear modulus of two-dimensional foams: The effect of area dispersity and disorder

We use the Surface Evolver to determine the shear modulus G of a dry 2D foam of 2500 bubbles, using both extensional and simple shear. We examine G for a range of monodisperse, bidisperse and polydisperse foams, and relate it to various measures of the structural disorder of each foam. In all cases, the shear modulus of a foam decreases with increasing disorder.     

Mean width and caliper characteristics of network polyhedra

The kinetic modelling of space-filling grain networks has been approached traditionally by representing the grains as spheres of equivalent volume. A spherical approximation used to describe polyhedral grains, unfortunately, relinquishes most geometrical and all topological details of the grain structure. Techniques developed by Hilgenfeldt et al., and by Glicksman, describe network structures comprised of space-filling irregular polyhedra and their kinetics with regular polyhedra, which act as ‘proxies’ that preserve both local topology and network constraints. Analytical formulas based on regular polyhedra and Surface Evolver simulations are used in this study to calculate the average caliper width and mean width for extended sets of polyhedra that vary systematically from convex to concave objects. Of importance, caliper width and mean width measures allow estimation of the growth rates of grains. Comparison of these calculations and simulations, however, reveal a weak dependence between average caliper width and mean width measures and the detailed shapes of polyhedra, especially their face curvatures. This finding might, in fact, affect the application and use of linear measures as kinetic tools in quantitative microstructure measurements.     

Simulations of two-dimensional foam rheology: Localization in linear Couette flow and the interaction of settling discs

Surface Evolver simulations of flowing two-dimensional foams are described. These are used for two purposes. Firstly, to extract the location of the T 1s, the changes in bubble topology that occur during plastic flow. It is shown that in linear Couette flow the T1 s are localized in space, becoming more so as the polydispersity of the foam decreases. Secondly, the sedimentation of two circular discs through a foam under gravity is studied. If the discs are sufficiently close, they begin to interact and one moves behind the other during their descent.     

Instabilities of soap film structures in square cuboid frame

ABSTRACT

Through the simulations performed with the Surface Evolver, we explored the T1s and the eight-fold vertex related topological changes in the square cuboid frame by changing the axial ratio λ and the liquid fraction ?. A stability diagram is provided to illustrate the instabilities encountered in any quasi-static process. Metastable film configurations are always accompanied by pre-emptive instabilities, while the instabilities of stable film configurations are not triggered until the central quadrilateral film steadily vanishes.     

基于自发曲率模型对几种极限形状膜泡及典型相变和分裂过程的研究

通过在Surface Evolver软件中建立一些具有多重对称性的初始形状，经逐次细分并长时间演化后，得到了几种能量很低的极限形budding 形状，其参数与理论值一致. 通过逐步调整参数并跟踪其演化途径，发现了一个不连续的相变和一个连续的可逆相变以及两种稳定的新形状，并且获得的海星形的两种分裂路径已被实验所证实.     

Yield drag in a two-dimensional foam flow around a circular obstacle: Effect of liquid fraction

We study the two-dimensional flow of foams around a circular obstacle within a long channel. In experiments, we confine the foam between liquid and glass surfaces. In simulations, we use a deterministic software, the Surface Evolver, for bubble details and a stochastic one, the extended Potts model, for statistics. We adopt a coherent definition of liquid fraction for all studied systems. We vary it in both experiments and simulations, and determine the yield drag of the foam, that is, the force exerted on the obstacle by the foam flowing at very low velocity. We find that the yield drag is linear over a large range of the ratio of obstacle to bubble size, and is independent of the channel width over a large range. Decreasing the liquid fraction, however, strongly increases the yield drag; we discuss and interpret this dependence.     

Non-spherical shapes of capsules within a fourth-order curvature model

We minimize a discrete version of the fourth-order curvature-based Landau free energy by extending Brakke's Surface Evolver. This model predicts spherical as well as non-spherical shapes with dimples, bumps and ridges to be the energy minimizers. Our results suggest that the buckling and faceting transitions, usually associated with crystalline matter, can also be an intrinsic property of non-crystalline membranes.     

Multiscale molecular dynamics simulations of membrane remodeling by Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs family proteins

Membrane curvature is no longer thought of as a passive property of the membrane; rather, it is considered as an active, regulated state that serves various purposes in the cell such as between cells and organelle definition. While transport is usually mediated by tiny membrane bubbles known as vesicles or membrane tubules, such communication requires complex interplay between the lipid bilayers and cytosolic proteins such as members of the Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs(BAR) superfamily of proteins. With rapid developments in novel experimental techniques, membrane remodeling has become a rapidly emerging new field in recent years. Molecular dynamics(MD) simulations are important tools for obtaining atomistic information regarding the structural and dynamic aspects of biological systems and for understanding the physics-related aspects. The availability of more sophisticated experimental data poses challenges to the theoretical community for developing novel theoretical and computational techniques that can be used to better interpret the experimental results to obtain further functional insights. In this review, we summarize the general mechanisms underlying membrane remodeling controlled or mediated by proteins. While studies combining experiments and molecular dynamics simulations recall existing mechanistic models, concurrently, they extend the role of different BAR domain proteins during membrane remodeling processes. We review these recent findings, focusing on how multiscale molecular dynamics simulations aid in understanding the physical basis of BAR domain proteins, as a representative of membrane-remodeling proteins.     

Adsorption of halogens on metal surfaces

This paper presents a review of the experimental and theoretical investigations of halogen interaction with metal surfaces. The emphasis was placed on the recent measurements performed with a scanning tunneling microscope in combination with density functional theory calculations. The surface structures formed on metal surface after halogen interaction are classified into three groups: chemisorbed monolayer, surface halide, bulk-like halide. Formation of monolayer structures is described in terms of surface phase transitions. Surface halide phases are considered to be intermediates between chemisorbed halogen and bulk halide. The modern theoretical approaches in studying the dynamics of metal halogenation reactions are also presented.     

Quantitative comparison between theoretical predictions and experimental results for the BCS-BEC crossover

Theoretical predictions for the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer-Bose-Einstein condensation crossover of trapped Fermi atoms are compared with recent experimental results for the density profiles of 6Li. The calculations rest on a single theoretical approach that includes pairing fluctuations beyond mean-field. Excellent agreement with experimental results is obtained. Theoretical predictions for the zero-temperature chemical potential and gap at the unitarity limit are also found to compare extremely well with Quantum Monte Carlo simulations and with recent experimental results.     

一维液态泡沫渗流实验研究及表面能和粘性耗散分析

液态泡沫由大量气泡密集堆积在微量表面活性剂溶液中形成，是远离平衡态的软物质. 泡沫强制渗流在微观上是指以恒定流率输入的液体在气泡间隙内的微流动过程，是影响泡沫稳定的主要因素之一. 采用在表面活性剂溶液中添加微量色素以显示泡沫中液体流动的方法，确定了透射率与液体分率的对应关系，测量得到了一维液态泡沫强制渗流中渗流波传播规律以及液体分率的演变规律；理论推导了泡沫基本单元，即开尔文单元结构(Kelvin cell)的粘性耗散能表达式，并依据Surface Evolver软件计算得到了不同液体分率时开尔文单元结构对应的的表面能，并计算出了与实验系统对应的开尔文单元结构的表面能和粘性耗散. 基于开尔文单元结构内液体分率演变的准静态假设，分析了表面能和粘性耗散的演变规律.     

Slip flow over structured surfaces with entrapped microbubbles

On hydrophobic surfaces, roughness may lead to a transition to a superhydrophobic state, where gas bubbles at the surface can have a strong impact on a detected slip. We present two-phase lattice Boltzmann simulations of a Couette flow over structured surfaces with attached gas bubbles. Even though the bubbles add slippery surfaces to the channel, they can cause negative slip to appear due to the increased roughness. The simulation method used allows the bubbles to deform due to viscous stresses. We find a decrease of the detected slip with increasing shear rate which is in contrast to some recent experimental results implicating that bubble deformation cannot account for these experiments. Possible applications of bubble surfaces in microfluidic devices are discussed.     

A method for calculating the absorption coefficient of a multi-layer absorbent using the electro-acoustic analogy

A theoretical method for calculating the absorption coefficient of the multi-layer absorbers composed of perforated plates, airspaces and porous materials is proposed. Initially, for multi-layer absorbers composed either of perforated plates and airspaces or perforated plates and porous materials, the acoustic impedance is calculated using an electro-acoustic analogy. Then, for multi-layer absorbers composed of perforated plates, airspaces and porous materials, the acoustic impedance is calculated using an iterative method. Finally, theoretical calculations for the absorption coefficient of three types of multi-layer absorbers composed of different materials and including perforated plates are carried out. The results are validated by experimental results.     

Instabilities of cylindrical bubble clusters

The European Physical Journal E - Small bubbles in an experimental two-dimensional foam between glass plates regularly undergo a three-dimensional instability as the small bubbles shrink under...     

Spectrum of luminescence from laser-created bubbles in water

The spectrum of the luminescence emitted at the collapse of single laser-induced bubbles in water is measured for different maximum bubble radii. Bubbles as large as 2 mm show a molecular OH(*) band at 310 nm in the spectrum, which otherwise can be fitted approximately with a blackbody curve at a temperature of 7800 K. This finding provides a connection between the light emission of single bubbles and multibubble sonoluminescence, since in the latter case the same molecular band is observed. Surface instabilities are observed in the larger bubbles, and may be connected with the OH(*) emission.     

Structure formation and instability in a tube of sand

A new instability in the combined flow of fine grains and gas is investigated by means of experiments, simulations, and analytic techniques. When a bubble of air rises through a granular packing in a tube, a sequence of smaller bubbles spontaneously forms in front of it. The existence of this instability is shown from the experiments, simulations, and theoretical considerations. Moreover, the simulations and experiments agree on the quantitative level. In particular, when the tube is tilted away from the vertical the experiments and the simulations show the same increase in the speed of the rising bubble.