Euler-Plateau, with a twist

Abstract: A generalization of the Euler-Plateau problem to account for the energy contribution due to twisting of the bounding loop is proposed. Euler-Lagrange equations are derived in a parameterized setting and a bifurcation analysis is performed. A pair of dimensionless parameters govern bifurcations from a flat, circular ground state. While one of these is familiar from the Euler-Plateau problem, the other encompasses information about the ratio of the twisting to bending rigidities, twist, and size of the loop. For sufficiently small values of the latter parameter, two separate groups of bifurcation modes are identified. On the other hand, for values greater than the critical twist arising in Michell's problem of the bifurcation of a twisted annular ring, only one bifurcation mode exists. Bifurcation diagrams indicate that a loop with greater twisting rigidity shows more resistance to transverse buckling. However, a twisted and closed filament spanned by a surface endowed with uniform surface tension buckles at a twist less than the critical value for an elastic ring.