Shape and volume of liquid meniscus at the surface of a specimen

Abstract

The change in the liquid meniscus at the surface of a specimen (rectangular or cylindrical) being lifted from water and immersed into it is considered. An equation for the meniscus surface is given, and the boundary conditions of its existence are determined. The solution of this equation describes the shape of the meniscus at all stages of its displacement from the vertical surface of a specimen to its upper and lower planes. The solution agrees with the data of observations. Dependences of the profile area and volume of a meniscus on its height have been obtained. The relationship between the meniscus parameters at the instant of its collapse and the contact angle is given. The meniscus parameters for a standard cylindrical specimen have been estimated. A typical curve of the change in the meniscus weight depending on its height is given. It can be employed for assessing the contact angle on a rough surface of a specimen.