Variational approach to wetting problems: Calculation of a shape of sessile liquid drop deposited on a solid substrate in external field

Analysis of the shape of sessile drops pinned to a solid substrate and exposed to the external potential is presented. Explicit expressions describing the drops' shape are obtained with a calculus of variations for 2D and 3D wetting problems. The presented approach is applicable for analysis of electrowetting problems, the study of vibrated and centrifuged drops. (c) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.