Triple line destabilization: Tuning film thickness through meniscus curvature

For partially wetting fluids, previous results suggest that the thickness and the dewetting velocity of gravity-driven films are uniquely determined by the triple line dynamics. In contrast, when flushing aqueous liquids through polymer tubes, our measurements show that the dewetting velocity and thickness can be selected. The control parameter is pressure, i.e., the macroscopic curvature of the meniscus. Our results demonstrate directly the major role played by the macroscopic geometry in the stability of a dynamic meniscus as predicted by Eggers, [Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 094502 (2004)].