Stability and nonlinear dynamics of planar film casting processes

Abstract

A linear stability analysis of isothermal planar film casting processes at zero Reynolds numbers is performed, and shown to be governed by the same eigenvalue equation as that of the spinning of round jets. Numerical studies on the nonlinear dynamics of planar film casting processes are reported as functions of the nondimensional parameters that characterize the fluid dynamics equations and the amplitude and frequency of imposed axial velocity perturbations at either the upstream or downstream boundaries. It is shown that the power spectrum broadens and the phase diagram may present holes at low Reynolds numbers, thus indicating the presence of chaos and strange attractors.