Stability of the vapor film during film boiling from horizontal cylinders

Abstract The stability of the vapor film formed on horizontal cylinders during stable film boiling is studied. The wavelength of the fastest growing perturbation is compared to the observed spacing of bubbles detaching from the vapor-liquid interface. A three-dimensional variational approach leads to results which are in good agreement with experiment for a fluid in a normal gravitational field. The effect of Coriolis forces on data obtained in a centrifugal force field is indicated.