An effect of moving local heater on the flow structure in a thin liquid layer on horizontal substrate is analyzed. The 2-D problem is considered under boundary layer approximation. For the case of small Reynolds numbers the steadystate equation is derived for description of the liquid film deformation in the accompanying frame of reference. The obtained equation can be applied in particular at horizontal substrate orientation. The results of simulations of the film thickness, pressure and liquid velocity at a given model temperature distribution on a free surface are presented. The dependencies of liquid viscosity and density on the temperature are neglected in the model, as well as heat, mass and momentum transfer at the free surface. It is shown that even in absence of liquid motion under gravity action the motion of local heater provides the existence of steady-state regime without film breakdown and dry spot formation. As outcome the theoretical background for new scheme of experimental study of phenomena in non-isothermal liquid films is developed.
Marangoni-driven liquid films rising out of a meniscus onto a nearly-horizontal substrate