Swelling of a foam lamella in a confined channel

Abstract

We study the dynamics of a foam lamella in a confined channel under the influence of a pushing–pulling pressure. Using optical interferometry we evidence an instantaneous swelling described by a velocity power law for different compositions of the foaming solutions. Based on theoretical considerations we show that the phenomena are mainly dominated by surface forces which also contribute to the kinetics of the drainage. Moreover, the frictional force acting on the lamella during motion depends on the velocity leading to two separate sliding regimes.