Stability and nonlinear dynamics of planar film casting processes

A linear stability analysis of isothermal planar film casting processes at zero Reynolds numbers is performed, and shown to be governed by the same ei genvalue 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 dyna mics equations and the amplitude and frequency of imposed axial velocity pe rturbations at either the upstream or downstream boundaries. It is shown th at the power spectrum broadens and the phase diagram may present holes at l ow Reynolds numbers, thus indicating the presence of chaos and strange attr actors. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.