  We consider the effect of evaporation on the aggregation of a number of
elastic objects due to a liquid's surface tension. In particular, we consider
an array of spring--block elements in which the gaps between blocks are filled
by thin liquid films that evaporate during the course of an experiment. Using
lubrication theory to account for the fluid flow within the gaps, we study the
dynamics of aggregation. We find that a non-zero evaporation rate causes the
elements to aggregate more quickly and, indeed, to contact within finite time.
However, we also show that the number of elements within each cluster decreases
as the evaporation rate increases. We explain these results quantitatively by
comparison with the corresponding two-body problem and discuss their relevance
for controlling pattern formation in elastocapillary systems.
