An Analogue for Interfacial Phenomena in Drops

Abstract

SEVERAL communications have considered the motion of pendent drops under the influence of uneven interfacial tension. In general, liquid–liquid systems have been observed with a solute transferring between phases. Lewis and Pratt¹ reported pulsations in both free and pendent drops when a solute passed from a solvent drop into water. A necessary condition for drop oscillation appeared to be the local variation of interfacial tension resulting from thermal effects of uneven solute distribution. Garner, Nutt and Mohtadi² observed a zone of high solute concentration randomly approach the inner surface of a pendent drop and cause distortion. Motion appeared to be in the direction of lower interfacial tension. Haydon³ also observed the tendency of drops to move toward an area of lower interfacial tension as a result of non-uniform solute distribution. In later articles he, together with Davies^4,5, investigated more thoroughly the movements of pendent drops.