Spreading of a thin two-dimensional strip of fluid on a vertical plane: Experiments and modeling

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2004

Abstract

We study the thin-film flow of a constant volume of silicon oil (polydymethilsiloxane) spreading down a vertical glass plate. The initial condition is generated from a horizontal fluid filament of typical diameter [Formula presented]. Two optical diagnostic methods are used: One based on an anamorphic system, and the other on the Schlieren method. The first one allows for a detailed characterization of the early stable stage of the spreading which is used to estimate the thickness of the precursor film needed to model the flow. The second one captures the bidimensional pattern of the transversal film instability. We use these techniques to determine the film thickness profiles, and the evolution of the moving contact line, including its shape and Fourier spectra. The numerical simulations of the stable stage of spreading are in good quantitative agreement with the experimental results. We develop a model based on linear stability theory that predicts the evolution of the modes present in the linear stage of the instability. © 2004 The American Physical Society.

Identifier

85036357096 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Physical Review E Statistical Physics Plasmas Fluids and Related Interdisciplinary Topics

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.70.026309

ISSN

1063651X

First Page

18

Issue

2

Volume

70

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