Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-7cvxr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T22:14:50.305Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The wall-induced motion of a floating flexible train

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2004

DOMINIC VELLA
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Cambridge University, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge, CB3 0WA, UK
HO-YOUNG KIM
Affiliation:
Thermal/Flow Control Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 136-791, South Korea
L. MAHADEVAN
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Cambridge University, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge, CB3 0WA, UK Present address: Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

Abstract

We consider the dynamics of capillary attraction between an articulated train of rigid rods floating at a liquid–gas interface and a nearby wall. We then explain some of the phenomena that are a result of the strong anisotropy and the extended nature of the system, such as the lining up next to the walling in a ‘zippering’ motion that is observed and compare our results qualitatively with those of experiments.

Type
Papers
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)