Theoretische Analyse und Modellrechnungen zur Strukturbildung an Entnetzungsfronten

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Ute Bahr
• Subject Area: Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 1998 to 2003
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5106300

It is the aim of this project to give a theoretical explanation of pattern formation during dewetting of thin films. The investigations are based on the lubrication approximation. In the previous part of the research program we studied the origin and growth of circularly shaped holes and derived time dependent height profiles. With our model of the "dry hole" we have been able to essentially reproduce a rim development as seen in experiments with dry holes in polymer films. We got a quite good understanding of rim development and the relevant factors controlling rim shapes.The calculated height profiles will be used as basic solutions for the dynamic stability analysis. Our aim is to explain the appearence of instabilities at the dewetting front and to find out the relevant mechanisms of the front instability in relation to the interface properties. In particular, we intend to investigate how the instability is influenced by the effects of a controlled variation of interface properties, friction and the value of the Hamaker constant.Furthermore, the decomposition of rims between holes into droplets in a late stage of dewetting will be treated as a dynamical problem.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1052: Benetzung und Strukturbildung an Grenzflächen