# "Thin film evolution" (Reference request)

Ok this is my first$^*$ question on overflow, my apologies if this is not the right place to ask what follows!

I observed the following phenomenon: I put a (vitamin) tablet into water, then after a while a thin film forms (I have attached a picture of it). That made me wonder - is there a particular pde that models such a process (or particular stages of it)? I realize that this phenomenon is quite complex, but perhaps there are particular stages that can be modelled and studied generically (for example I think soap bubbles are studied mathematically). What interests me in particular is the transition from the stage where there is only the surface of the water to the stage where a second film has formed.

Here is the picture:

Thanks very much for pointers to sources where I can learn more.

$^*$(Edit: I just realised it is in fact my second question here)

• I don't know anything about this kind of math, but I know that a number of people in the mathematical modelling group in my department: lboro.ac.uk/departments/maths/research/groups/… study exactly these kinds of problems. Looking at that page might get you started while we wait for a more educated answer!
– user5117
Apr 3, 2015 at 11:29
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_film Apr 3, 2015 at 13:57