We investigate the dynamical origin of the statistical properties of boilin
g in a short capillary tube. Two different models are proposed (Markov mode
l and rotational model). We show that the behavior of each model may be rel
ated to different properties of the physical phenomenon. We conclude with a
suggestion of a new experimental measurement which can help to adjust seve
ral aspects of the models. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.