FLOW PATTERNS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEADY MOVEMENT OF A SOLID/LIQUID/FLUID CONTACT LINE

Flow patterns in the immediate vicinity of a moving solid/liquid/fluid contact line were determined using a video-imaging experimental technique. Experimental flow patterns are shown to depend on the apparent dynamic contact angle at or near the moving contact line and the viscosity ratio between the displaced and the displacing fluid. A wide range of viscosity ratios and the entire range of dynamic contact angles was covered. The experimental results show qualitative discrepancies with published theoretical results. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.