Exponentially fast Thinning of Nanoscale Films by Turbulent Mixing

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that thermal forcing induces exponentially fast thinning of nanoscale films through turbulent mixing, revealing new dynamics in film collapse driven by chaotic convection.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism where thermal convection accelerates film thinning exponentially, expanding understanding of nanoscale film dynamics.

Findings

Thermal forcing leads to exponential thinning of nanoscale films.

Chaotic turbulent mixing dominates the film collapse process.

Domains of collapsed film are generated and transported chaotically.

Abstract

Films are nanoscopic elements of foams, emulsions and suspensions, and form a paradigm for nanochannel transport that eventually tests the limits of hydrodynamic descriptions. Here, we study the collapse of a freestanding film to its equilibrium. The generation of nanoscale films usually is a slow linear process; using thermal forcing we find unprecedented dynamics with exponentially fast thinning. The complex interplay of thermal convection, interface and gravitational forces yields optimal turbulent mixing and transport. Domains of collapsed film are generated, elongated and convected in a beautiful display of chaotic mixing. With a timescale analysis we identify mixing as the dominant dynamical process responsible for exponential thinning.