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Modelling pinching dynamics in thin films of binary mixtures

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 March 2025

A. Choudhury Open the ORCID record for A. Choudhury [Opens in a new window] ,
L. Duchemin ,
F. Lequeux  and
L. Talini Open the ORCID record for L. Talini [Opens in a new window]
A. Choudhury*
Affiliation:
PMMH, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France. CNRS, SIMM, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
L. Duchemin
Affiliation:
PMMH, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France.
F. Lequeux
Affiliation:
CNRS, SIMM, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
L. Talini
Affiliation:
CNRS, Surface du Verre et Interfaces, Saint-Gobain, 93300 Aubervilliers, France
*
Corresponding authors: Anjishnu Choudhury, [email protected]
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Abstract

In binary mixtures, the lifetimes of surface bubbles can be five orders of magnitude longer than those in pure liquids because of slightly different compositions of the bulk and the surfaces, leading to a thickness-dependent surface tension of thin films. Taking advantage of the resulting simple surface rheology, we derive the equations describing the thickness, flow velocity and surface tension of a single liquid film, using thermodynamics of ideal solutions and thin film mechanics. Numerical resolution shows that, after a first step of tension equilibration, the Laplace-pressure-driven flow is associated with a flow at the interface driven by an induced Marangoni stress. The resulting parabolic flow with mobile interfaces in the film further leads to its pinching, eventually causing its rupture. Our model paves the way for a better understanding of the rupture dynamics of liquid films of binary mixtures.

JFM classification

Complex Fluids: Foams Interfacial Flows (free surface): Thin films Low-Reynolds-number flows: Lubrication theory
Type
JFM Papers
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 1007 , 25 March 2025 , A39
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press

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Supplementary material: File

Choudhury et al. supplementary material movie

Stages of drainage and marginal pinching of a thin film of Octane/Toluene mixture.
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