Interactions of fibres with simple arrangements of soap films

Abstract We present experiments and Surface Evolver simulations concerning the interaction of fibres with simple arrangements of soap films, which constitute model systems for dry foams. For a fibre inserted into a soap film which spans two Plateau borders, our simulation accurately predicts the variation in the length of the film as the fibre width is varied. For a fibre introduced into a Plateau border, simulations accurately predict the variation in length of the Plateau border as the fibre diameter is varied, and as it is moved. We suggest that the force necessary to move the fibre from its equilibrium position may act to inhibit foam coarsening, in line with previous observations from experiments on fibre-laden foams.