L. W. Schwartz

A functional is presented for the stored energy content, or potential energy, of a nonuniform distribution of surfactant on a liquid interface. This is the energy available to drive fluid motion using surface-tension-gradient forces. The functional is shown to be non-negative. An energy evolution equation is derived for the motion of a thin liquid film, whose shape evolves under the combined influence of surface tension, viscous, and surfactant effects. Numerical calculations show the time history of these global energy components. Results are relevant to the flow behavior of wetting agents, soap films, foams, and emulsions with possible applications in the industrial and biological worlds.