Foams

Foams are ubiquitous in our daily lives. Their presence is highly desirable in certain foods, drinks and cosmetics, and they are essential in oil recovery and mineral extraction. In some industrial processes (such as the manufacture of glass, paper and wine) foams are an unwelcome by-product. Why do they appear? What controls the rate at which they disappear? Do they flow in the same way as ordinary liquids? All of these questions and more are addressed here, incorporating significant recent contributions to the field of foams. This book is the first to provide a thorough description of all aspects of the physico-chemical properties of foams. It sets out what is known about their structure, their stability, and their rheology. Engineers, researchers and students will find descriptions of all the key concepts, illustrated by numerous applications, as well as experiments and exercises for the reader. A solutions manual for lecturers is available via the publisher's web site. "A wide survey of the basic physics of foams, composed by a team of distinguished contributors to the field. Well organised and attractively illustrated, it will be an essential guide to our present understanding of the subject. " -- Denis Weaire, School of Physics, Trinity College Dublin "This is a comprehensive survey of foam science written by some of the leading practitioners in the field. The book is particularly effective at covering dynamic aspects, including foam rheology, a subject that has developed immensely in recent years: the book is therefore an exceedingly valuable reference. " -- Paul Grassia, School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, University of ManchesterIntroduction ; 1. Uses of foams ; 2. Foams at equilibrium ; 3. Birth, life and death ; 4. Rheology ; 5. Experimental and numerical methods