Prof. M. Bestehorn (BTU Cottbus)
3D Large scale convection in thin liquid
films
We study large scale surface deformations of a liquid film
unstable due to the Marangoni effect caused by external heating
on a smooth and solid substrate. The work is based on
the thin film equation which can be derived from the basic hydrodynamic
equations. To prevent rupture, a repelling disjoining pressure is included
which accounts for the stabilization of a thin precursor film and so prevents
the occurrence of completely dry regions. Linear stability analysis, nonlinear
stationary solutions, as well as three-dimensional time dependent
numerical solutions for horizontal and inclined substrates reveal a rich
scenario of possible structures for several realistic fluid parameters.
A comparison with other disjoining pressures is given. Finally we
discuss the inclusion of small scale convection occurring in films
with medium or larger depth.