Deformation of a floating liquid marble
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026

High-pressure, High-temperature Deformation Experiment Using the New Generation Griggs-type Apparatus
Published on: April 3, 2018
Chin Hong Ooi1, Raja K Vadivelu, James St John
1Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, 4111 Queensland, Australia. nam-trung.nguyen@griffith.edu.au.
Abstract:
A rigid spherical particle floating on a liquid is a known problem with well-defined solutions. Under the combined effect of gravity and surface tension, the rigid particle deforms the liquid surface. However, in the case of a floating soft particle such as a liquid marble, not only the liquid surface but also the particle itself deforms. In this paper, we investigate the deformation of a floating liquid marble and characterise its height as well as aspect ratio. The experimental results show that theoretical models for a rigid spherical particle suit well for small liquid marbles. Larger marbles require an oblate liquid spheroid model. We will discuss the limitations of the two models and characterise the deformation of these marbles.
Related Concept Videos
Density and Archimedes' Principle
Buoyancy and Stability for Submerged and Floating Bodies
Plastic Deformations
Plastic Deformations
Plastic Deformation in Circular Shafts
Temperature Dependent Deformation

