Experimental study of a thin liquid film flowing down an inclined plane

Extensive theoretical analysis has been dedicated to the study of the instability of a two-dimensional moving contact line for a thin liquid film flowing down an inclined plane. Unfortunately, the quantity and quality of experimental data for the same problem is lacking. The research described in this paper offers a data base of experimental data using a unique imaging method for the accurate measurement of such experimental values as lateral wavelength or spacing between rivulets, fluid depth profiles, front velocities, three-dimensional shape and dynamic contact angle. Also, some results are presented for the formation of surface waves on a continuous film of fluid as a function of perturbation frequency and heating of the plate.;The imaging method developed uses a fluorescent dye dissolved in a liquid flow to outline liquid-gas free boundaries. A fluid depth measurement with a precision of +/;Comparisons of the shape and wavelength data for rivulets from a 2-D fluid front have been made with the limited amount of literature data for a similar problem and with theoretical predictions for the rivulet wavelength. Some of the comparisons show agreement with aspects of the existing theory, but significant differences exist which can be related to the different experimental methods used.