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. 2002 Apr;7(4):311-5.
doi: 10.1140/epje/i2001-10099-1.

The transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional foam structures

S J Cox  1 , D Weaire  1 , M Fátima Vaz  2
Affiliations

The transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional foam structures

S J Cox et al. Eur Phys J E Soft Matter. 2002 Apr.

Abstract

Small cells in an experimental sample of two-dimensional foam, such as that which is contained between two glass plates, may undergo a transition to a three-dimensional form, becoming detached from one boundary. We present the first detailed observations of this phenomenon, together with computer simulations. The transition is attributed to an instability of the Rayleigh-Plateau type. A theoretical analysis is given which shows that an individual cell is susceptible to this instability only if it has less than six sides.

Keywords: PACS. 47.20.Dr Surface-tension-driven instability – 82.70.Rr Aerosols and foams.

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