The Flow of Liquids in Thin Films

TLDR: In this article, the Kapitsa theory for wavy film flow appears to apply over only a very limited part of the total wavy flow regime, and it is shown that it is possible to predict quite accurately the flow behavior in the smooth laminar flow regime of the film; unfortunately, this flow regime is not of great practical importance.

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter studies fluid–flow characteristics of liquids in layers, with and without a superimposed gas velocity. The types of turbulence in layers need to be investigated and also the nature of a laminar layer containing ripples. As regards the theoretical studies of film flow, it is shown in the chapter that it is possible to predict quite accurately the flow behavior in the smooth laminar flow regime of the film; unfortunately, this flow regime is not of great practical importance. The Kapitsa theory for wavy film flow appears to apply over only a very limited part of the total wavy flow regime. Several new experimental techniques for the study of film flow have been developed. Film flow is a special case of two-phase flow. It takes place along a solid surface of some sort, with only one free surface. The second phase in contact with the free surface of the film may be either a gas or a second liquid, which may be at rest or in motion relative to the solid surface on which the film flows. Film flow is distinguished from other forms of two-phase flow by the presence of large interfaces of basically simple geometrical configuration. Two-phase flows are also often further classified as single-component. The occurrence and applications of film flow in modern technology are numerous and important.