Thermocapillary instability of the interface between two immiscible liquids in the presence of volume heat sources

Abstract

The problem of the stability of the interface between two infinite layers of different immiscible liquids is considered. It is assumed that within the liquid a distributed volume heat source, simulating Joule heating, is given. The stability of the rest state with respect to small unsteady disturbances is investigated. The investigation is carried out using the real boundary conditions at the interface between the two liquids rather than the model boundary conditions usually employed in such problems [5]. The problem considered is related to the practical question of the stability of electrolyzer processes. In the present case a possible threshold mechanism of development of oscillations of the electrolyte-aluminum interface is examined. A numerical example with liquid parameters that coincide with those of the electrolyte and aluminum shows that the thermocapillary instability mechanism can, in fact, be the source of surface waves at the electrolyte-aluminum interface.