Distortion isn't a drag on fluid-straddling particles

摘要

Some intriguing physics can be found at the interfaces between fluids, particularly if they are straddled by particles like proteins or dust grains. When placed between un-mixable fluids such as oil and water, a variety of processes, including inter-molecular interactions, will cause the particles to move around. These motions are characterised by the drag force experienced by the particles, which is itself thought to depend on the extent to which they distort fluid interfaces. In this work it is shown that the drag force experienced by fluid-straddling particles is less affected by interface distortion than previously believed.