3D instability of liquid films and rivulets

Abstract

This article presents the results of experimental and theoretical study of 3D instability of waves in liquid films and rivulets, falling down a vertical plate. The method of laser induced fluorescence was used to obtain instant shapes of three dimensional waves in a liquid films and rivulets and to investigate the regularities of formation of 3D wave patterns. In particular, during 2D-3D wave transition in the film flow, we observed a strong transverse redistribution of liquid leading to the formation of rivulets on the surface of isothermal liquid film, which is a phenomenon not described previously. The results of simulation of 2 D and 3D regular waves in the single rivulet are compared with the authors’ previous experimental data.