Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2005 iii Paper 81 4 ii Solution 2026-10-14
Let the positive undisturbed surface tension be . An insoluble surfactant perturbation produces . The tangential Marangoni stress changes the surface condition to . Solving the lubrication theory momentum equation now givesAt leading order, conservation of insoluble surfactant on a moving interface reduces to . Corrections from the changing circumference are smaller by . Likewise the normal-pressure contribution gives a coupling smaller by than the retained tangential Marangoni stress, so it is omitted at the same order.
For thickness and concentration amplitudes proportional to , put and use . The two conservation equations becomeSet , and . The uncoupled capillary growth and elastic relaxation rates are and . The off-diagonal product is , so the determinant is . Thus the surfactant stabilization of an annular liquid lining relation isThis proves the dispersion relation before its lettered deductions. The physical assumption is needed for the claimed capillary instability band.