Forced oscillations of isothermal axisymmetric liquid bridges

Abstract

The forced oscillations of a liquid column held by surface tension forces between two solid supports are analysed by using an inviscid linear three-dimensional model. The liquid bridge frequency response (interface deformation and pressure and velocity fields) when one (or both) of the supporting disks are oscillated or when the gravity field changes with time is calculated. The influence of a surrounding media of non-negligible density (outer bath) is included in the model. The latter consideration allows the use of experiments done on ground using the neutral buoyancy technique to validate the model for later use in flight experiments (where air is used as surrounding media and there is no need for considering its effect). In normal gravity conditions, the most appropriate way to obtain near cylindrical configurations is to surround the bridge with a matching density media and thus, the inertial effects of that fluid modifies significantly the dynamic behaviour.