Uniaxial deformation tests of aqueous foams: rate effects and topological changes

Abstract

We have experimentally obtained force−elongation, F(w), curves for the uniaxial extension/compression of single cylindrical bubbles and bubble clusters bounded by two horizontal walls at a variable separation, w. We have studied the effect of the elongation rate on F(w) of cylindrical bubbles and the changes in F associated with instabilities and with topological transformations that occur during deformation of bubble clusters.

Acknowledgements

We thank L. Afonso for his help with the experiments, and D. Weaire and P.I.C. Teixeira for their comments on the manuscript.