THE EFFECTS OF PLATEAU BORDERS IN THE 2-DIMENSIONAL SOAP FROTH .3. FURTHER RESULTS

The computer simulation of two-dimensional foams allows a comprehensiv e description of the mechanical properties of these systems. In partic ular, we have calculated elastic constants and yield stress of disorde red foams as functions of the gas fraction PHI, greatly improving and extending the previous results of Bolton and Weaire. A comparison with random elastic networks is appropriate in the limit of wet froth clos e to the rigidity-loss transition at PHI(c) almost-equal-to 0.84. As t he transition is approached, small increments of strain trigger avalan ches of topological changes.