Wave formation on a vertical falling liquid film

Abstract The method of integral relations is used to derive a nonlinear two‐wave equation for long waves on the surface of vertical falling liquid films. This equation is valid within a range of moderate Reynolds numbers and and be reduced in some cases to other well‐known equations. The theoretical results for the fastest growing waves are compared with the experimental results concerning velocities, wave numbers, and growth rates of the waves in the inception region. The validity of the theoretical assumptions is also confirmed by direct measurements of instantaneous velocity profiles in a wave liquid film. The results of the experimental investigation concerning nonlinear stationary waves and the evolution of initial solitary disturbances are presented.