An experimental realization of the Weaire–Phelan structure in monodisperse liquid foam

2012/01/01 by Ruggero Gabbrielli, Aaron J. Meagher, D. Weaire +2 · 1 citation
Chemistry · Engineering · Materials Science · Mathematics · #Characterization and Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles #Chemistry #Crystallization #Crystallography #Dispersity #Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation #Materials science #Mathematics #Physics #Pickering emulsions and particle stabilization #Polymer chemistry #Realization (probability) #Thermodynamics

paper · doi:10.1080/09500839.2011.645898

openalex publication_date 2012/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29

Abstract

The Weaire–Phelan (WP) structure is the lowest energy structure known of an ideal monodisperse foam in the dry limit. To date, it has not been realized in the laboratory. Instead Lord Kelvin's 1887 structure, which it supplanted in 1994, has repeatedly been found in attempts to produce an ordered structure. This paradox is attributable to the flat walls of the containers used, with which the Kelvin structure is more compatible. Accordingly, we have fabricated a patterned mould whose faceted walls conform to the WP geometry, and thereby succeeded in inducing the formation of perfect crystals of the WP structure. Foam samples consisted of approximately 1500 bubbles. Vibrations favoured crystallization.

Citations

• A new counter-example to Kelvin's conjecture on minimal surfaces
• Complex alloy structures regarded as sphere packings. I. Definitions and basic principles
• Complex alloy structures regarded as sphere packings. II. Analysis and classification of representative structures
• LXIII. On the division of space with minimum partitional area

Cited by

• Weaire–Phelan structure [wikipedia]

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