Capillary phenomena: Properties of systems with fluid/fluid interfaces

Abstract

An indication is given of the wide range of classical systems to which capillarity is relevant. The basic laws are outlined with the introduction of the term effective area and Gauss's law. Interface configurations are classified, with particular emphasis on pendent and sessile drops, emergent and captive bubbles, holms and fluid bridges. These types of fluid body in a gravitational field form a major portion of the review, their properties being described from the phenomenological and thermodynamic approaches to criteria for equilibrium and stability. A distinction is made between Laplace or mechanical and Kelvin, physicochemical or diffusional equilibrium and stability. Some applications, including aspects of interfacial tension determination, are given in more detail than those used for illustration.