The drainage and rupture of a non-foaming liquid film formed upon bubble impact with a free surface

Experiments are performed to measure the thickness of a thin liquid film formed between a free surface and the apex of a bubble which is approaching at its terminal velocity. Measurements are made using bubbles of < 1 mm dia both in distilled water and alcoholic solutions (methanol, ethanol). The results of the experiments show that the models based on the lubrication approximation fail to predict the initial stage of drainage. A better agreement is obtained by modifying the model proposed by Chesters.