Surface tension of a torus raindrop

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the calculation of surface tension forces in raindrops, comparing spherical and toroidal shapes. For a spherical raindrop, the force due to surface tension is calculated using a single boundary, resulting in the formula 2pi*R*gamma. In contrast, a toroidal raindrop has two distinct boundaries (inner and outer), leading to a combined force expression of 2pi*R*gamma + 2pi(R+2r)*gamma. The key point is that the torus's two boundaries account for the additional component in the surface tension force calculation. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurately modeling the physics of raindrop shapes.
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Homework Statement



When calculating the difference in pressure inside a spherical raindrop, the force exerted by the surface tension is calculated to be 2pi*R*gama, where R is the radius of the drop and gamma is dE/dS (dyne/cm).
When the shape of the raindrop is said to be that of a torus, the force exerted by the surface tension is calculated to be 2pi*R*gamma + 2pi(R+2r)*gamma (please see attachment).
My question is simply why does the force in the case of the torus have two components, whereas in the case of a sphere it has only one?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 

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  • Torus.JPG
    Torus.JPG
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In both cases, the expression is the length of the boundary (as seen in a 2D-projection) multiplied by gamma. A circle has one boundary, the torus has 2 (inner+outer).
 
But isn't the circle's circumference considered a boundary? Or shouldn't it be? Is it not a thin layer of fluid verging on air?
 
But isn't the circle's circumference considered a boundary?
Of course. That should be the origin of 2pi*R*gamma.
You get a layer of fluid/air in contact there.
 
Okay. Thank you.
 
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