Spreading of a thin film exposed to a surface acoustic wave*

We report experimental, theretical, and computational study of the dynamics of a thin silicon oil film spreading due to the forcing resulting from applied suface acoustic wave (SAW). In experiments, we consider a drop spreading either on a flat substrate, or on a substrate with superimposed topology. Starting from the first principles, our model includes the forcing due to SAW into the standard long wave formulation. Finally our simulations allow for discussion of the influence of SAW on the time-dependent film evolution. Combining experimental and theoretical/computational efforts allows us to formulate a realistic model accounting accurately for the coupling between acoustic and fluids aspects of the considered problem.