Regular Surface Patterns on Rayleigh-Taylor Unstable Evaporating Films Heated from Below

Michael Bestehorn and Domnic Merkt
Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 127802 – Published 18 September 2006

Abstract

We study a thin liquid film with a free surface on the underside of a cooled horizontal substrate. We show that if the fluid is initially in equilibrium with its own vapor in the gas phase below, regular surface patterns in the form of long-wave hexagons having a well-defined lateral length scale are observed. This is in sharp contrast to the case without evaporation where rupture or coarsening to larger and larger patterns is seen in the long time limit. In this way, evaporation could be used for regular structuring of the film surface. Finally, we estimate the finite wave length for the simplified case of an extended Cahn-Hilliard equation.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 4 May 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.127802

©2006 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Michael Bestehorn and Domnic Merkt

  • Lehrstuhl für Theoretische Physik II, Brandenburgische Technische Universität, Erich-Weinert-Strasse 1, 03046-Cottbus, Germany

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 97, Iss. 12 — 22 September 2006

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×