Suvarna Garge (Editor)

Laplace formula

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The Laplace formula is a result in fluid mechanics that gives the surface pressure between two continuous media. The surface of separation is really a transitional layer, but it is so thin that in classical mechanics it can be considered a dividing surface between the two media.

Definition

Consider two continuous media (top and bottom) whose surface of separation undergoes a small displacement. If r t and r b are the principal radii of curvature of the surface in some sample region, then the difference of pressures is

Δ P = α ( 1 r t + 1 r b )

where α is the surface tension coefficient.

References

Laplace formula Wikipedia