Difference between revisions of "Double Soap Bubble"
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When a double soap bubble forms, it consists of two spheres that intersect, with a soap film separating the chambers on each side. This separating wall connects with the surface of each sphere at a 120-degree angle. If the two spheres have equal size, then the separating film has the shape of a flat disk. If one sphere is larger, then the separating wall bulges into the larger space enclosed by the larger sphere. | When a double soap bubble forms, it consists of two spheres that intersect, with a soap film separating the chambers on each side. This separating wall connects with the surface of each sphere at a 120-degree angle. If the two spheres have equal size, then the separating film has the shape of a flat disk. If one sphere is larger, then the separating wall bulges into the larger space enclosed by the larger sphere. | ||
| − | The question of which geometric shape for a co-equal double bubbles maximizes the internal volume baffled | + | The question of which geometric shape for a co-equal double bubbles maximizes the internal volume baffled mathematicians for decades. |
[[Category:mathematics]] | [[Category:mathematics]] | ||
Revision as of 17:52, August 17, 2012
The double bubble, or double soap bubble, geometry has long posed a fascinating mathematical challenge: which shape for the surface of a double bubble encloses volume most efficiently?
When a double soap bubble forms, it consists of two spheres that intersect, with a soap film separating the chambers on each side. This separating wall connects with the surface of each sphere at a 120-degree angle. If the two spheres have equal size, then the separating film has the shape of a flat disk. If one sphere is larger, then the separating wall bulges into the larger space enclosed by the larger sphere.
The question of which geometric shape for a co-equal double bubbles maximizes the internal volume baffled mathematicians for decades.