Elasto-capillary deformation of films and rods

Abstract

Elasto-capillarity is the ability of capillary forces to deform elastic structures. This phenomenon is found at all length scales and is central to natural phenomena such as the coalescence of wet hairs as well as technological applications like microfluidics and microelectromechanical systems. In this thesis we investigate some of the most fundamental examples of elasto-capillarity -- the deformation of thin films and rods by liquid drops and bubbles. Through novel experiment techniques we are able to accurately predict the shape of elastic deformations in compliant polymer films as a function of tension in the film due to capillary forces from liquid drops. We are also able to accurately predict the onset of winding of slender polymer rods around liquid bubbles.