The transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional waves in falling liquid films: Wave patterns and transverse redistribution of local flow rates

This article presents the results of experimental investigations of the process of transition from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) waves in liquid films falling down a vertical plate. The method of laser induced fluorescence was used to obtain instant shapes of three dimensional waves and to investigate the regularities of formation of 3D wave patterns arising due to transverse instability of 2D waves. The obtained results were compared to the results from the published literature on the modeling of 3D wave regimes of film flow. Although many details of 3D wave patterns correspond well, there are a few significant distinctions between our experiments and modeling. In particular, during 2D-3D wave transition, 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. Possible discrepancies between modeling and experiments, including applicability of boundary layer models and downstream periodic boundary conditions, are discussed. The authors hope that the results presented in the article are of interest not only for modeling of film flows but also for practical applications because at large distances from the film inlet due to 2D-3D wave transition the local flow rates can differ several times at the transverse distances of about 1 cm, which is an effect that cannot be neglected.