Rheological Studies with Spherically Shaped Thin Liquid Films

The present work shows the first experimental and theoretical results for investigations on the rheology of liquid films. The experiments are planned to be performed under microgravity conditions. This environment will allow forming films of different thickness, which is impossible under ground conditions due to drainage. Then the films are forced to harmonic oscillations of the film area so that the film elasticity can be measured as a function of frequency. The presented theoretical model demonstrates the main relationships to be solved under corresponding boundary conditions.