Hydrodynamics of rivulet flow

A theoretical analysis of the hydrodynamics of liquid rivulets flowing down an inclined surface is presented. Steady state solutions are developed for the laminar flow case which relate the flow rate to the rivulet width, the physical properties of the liquid, and the contact angle. Excellent verification of the theoretical predictions was obtained in a number of experiments with various liquids on an inclined glass plate. All constants in the equations were derived from theory. These results will be useful in obtaining a better understanding and correlation of such phenomena as liquid flow over packings and catalysts and flow along walls and tube surfaces, as in condensation and evaporation.