Simulation of fluid bridges and films

Abstract

Adsorbed vapour molecules can form dense monolayers or even multilayers on solid surfaces. For sufficiently thick films the mesoscopic concept based on the disjoining pressure can be applied to evaluate the film thickness. The equilibrium thickness of an adsorbed film is evaluated by Monte Carlo simulation for a Lennard-Jones fluid. The results of the simulation are compared with the mesoscopic approach. Predictions of the mesoscopic theory are found to be valid also for film thicknesses exceeding only a few molecular diameters. Curved menisci are found to be well described by the macroscopic Young–Laplace equation, even when the curvature radius of the liquid–vapour interface is rather small.