Surface instabilities and patterning at liquid/vapor interfaces: Exemplifications of the "hairy ball theorem"

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Abstract

Application of the "hairy ball theorem" to the analysis of the surface instabilities inherent for liquid/vapor interfaces is reported. When a continuous tangential velocity field exists on the surface of the liquid sample which is homeomorphic to a ball, zero velocity points will be necessarily present at the surface. The theorem is exemplified with the analysis of the instability occurring under the rapid evaporation of polymer solutions. Zero velocity points, accumulating pores, enable direct visualization of the instability. The patterning may be essentially different on the surface of a torus.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5-7
Number of pages3
JournalColloids and Interface Science Communications
Volume5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2015

Keywords

  • Benard-Marangoni cells
  • Hairy ball theorem
  • Pattern
  • Surface instability
  • Zero velocity points

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