Steady thermocapillary flows of thin liquid layers. I. Theory

Abstract

A thin liquid layer rests on a horizontal plane that is subject to a two-dimensional spatially periodic temperature distribution. Thermocapillary forces on the free surface result in a dimpling interface and a steady viscous flow. Long-wave theory is used to study this system and to determine whether or not there is film dryout locally, and how such dimpling and/or dryout is affected by London–van der Waals forces, surface tension, and hydrostatic effects.