Modeling the effect of surface forces on the equilibrium liquid profile of a capillary meniscus

Abstract

The equilibrium profile of a capillary meniscus formed under combined action of disjoining/conjoining and capillarity pressures is investigated. Attention is focused on the shape of a transition zone between a spherical meniscus and a thin liquid film in front of the meniscus. The Poisson–Boltzmann equation is used for calculations of electrostatic contribution to the disjoining/conjoining pressure and the liquid shape inside the transition zone. Both complete and partial wetting conditions are investigated.