A study into development of instability and collapse of vapor layer on a heated solid hemispherical surface

A study is performed into the processes of development of instability and collapse of a vapor film on a solid hemispherical surface. Optical-fiber sensors of pressure and vapor-film thickness are used in measurements; the process is videofilmed with subsequent computer processing of images. A physical model of the phenomenon is developed, which includes superheating and explosive boiling of water in recesses of wavy vapor film. The predictions are in qualitative agreement with the experimental results.