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.