Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Dynamics of Thin Liquid Films

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Abstract
Three-dimensional dynamics of thin Newtonian liquid films subjected to long-range van der Waals forces on a horizontal coated solid surface is numerically studied in the framework of the long-wave theory. The dynamics of nonvolatile films results in the emergence of an isolated steady drop standing on a practically flat film, while volatile films uniformly disappear on the macroscale. In both cases the evolution of the initial small-amplitude noise spans over the stages of self-organization, fast thinning of the depressions, formation and expansion of the “holes,” emergence of the polygonal network of liquid ridges, and its breakup, as seen in the experiments.