A study into development of instability and collapse of vapor layer on a heated solid hemispherical surface

A study is performed into the processes of development of instability and c ollapse of a vapor film on a solid hemispherical surface. Optical-fiber sen sors of pressure and vapor-film thickness are used in measurements; the pro cess is videofilmed with subsequent computer processing of images. A physic al model of the phenomenon is developed, which includes superheating and ex plosive boiling of water in recesses of wavy vapor film. The predictions ar e in qualitative agreement with the experimental results.