In-situ observation of collective bubble collapse dynamics in a quasi-two-dimensional foam

Abstract The stability of foams is an important subject not only for fundamental science, but for applications in daily life. The most destructive phenomenon underpinning foam collapse is a collective bubble collapse, yet the mechanism behind this is unclear. In this study, we clarify the dynamics of the collective bubble collapse in a quasi-two-dimensional foam by in-situ observation with a high speed camera. We find two modes for collective bubble collapse: one is the propagation of liquid film breakage via impact with the stream of another broken liquid film. The other is breakage of a distant liquid film due to penetration by a liquid droplet, emitted by impact with the flow of a broken liquid film. As the liquid fraction increases, the velocity of liquid droplets decreases. Instead of penetration, the liquid droplet bounces like a billiard ball or it is absorbed into other films