On a diffusion equation with rupture

Abstract

We propose a model to describe an evolution of a bubble cluster with rupture. In a special case, the equation is reduced to a single parabolic equation with evaporation for the thickness of a liquid layer covering bubbles. We postulate that a bubble collapses if this liquid layer becomes thin. We call this collapse a rupture. We prove for our model that there is a periodic-in-time solution if the place of rupture occurs only in the largest bubble. Numerical tests indicate that there may not exist a periodic solution if such an assumption is violated.

18 pages, 12 figures