On instabilities of finite-size films and rivulets

L. KONDIC; J. A. DIEZ; A. G. GONZÁLEZ; P. RACK

Minneapolis, EE.UU.

Workshop; Higher Order Geometric Evolution Equations: Theory and Applications from Microfluidics to Image Understanding; 2009

Institute for Mathematics and its applications (IMA) - Universiity of Minnesota

We discuss the influence of finite size effects on the breakup process involving finite-size films and rivulets. For films, we show that the breakup process due to finite size effects can be related to the so-called nucleation mode of instability of infinite films. We also consider coupling of different modes of instabilities, and the competition between them. Next, we revisit the classical problem of rivulet instability and discuss whether finite size effects may be important in determining relevant breakup mechanisms. We apply our results to rupture of nano-scale metal lines irradiated by repeated laser pulses and discuss relevance of the considered process to self-assembly on nanoscale.