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Multi-layer film flow down an inclined plane: experimental investigation

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Abstract

We report the results from an experimental study of the flow of a film down an inclined plane where the film itself is comprised of up to three layers of different liquids. By measuring the total film thickness for a broad range of parameters including flow rates and liquid physical properties, we provide a thorough and systematic test of the single-layer approximation for multi-layer films for Reynolds numbers \(Re = \rho Q/\mu \approx 0.03 - 60\). In addition, we also measure the change in film thickness of individual layers as a function of flow rates for a variety of experimental configurations. With the aid of high-speed particle tracking, we derive the velocity fields and free-surface velocities to compare to the single-layer approximation. Furthermore, we provide experimental evidence of small capillary ridge formations close to the point where two layers merge and compare our experimental parameter range for the occurrence of this phenomenon to those previously reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, United Kingdom

    D. Henry & J. Uddin

  2. School of Mathematics, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom

    J. Thompson & M. G. Blyth

  3. Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia

    S. T. Thoroddsen

  4. Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, USA

    J. O. Marston

Authors
  1. D. Henry
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  2. J. Uddin
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  3. J. Thompson
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  4. M. G. Blyth
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  5. S. T. Thoroddsen
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  6. J. O. Marston
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Correspondence to J. O. Marston.

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Henry, D., Uddin, J., Thompson, J. et al. Multi-layer film flow down an inclined plane: experimental investigation. Exp Fluids 55, 1859 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-014-1859-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-014-1859-5

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