We theoretically and numerically study the evolution of axisymmetrical surface waves of a wetting liquid film on a rotating or nonrotating disk. Shock waves may form and propagate driven by the centrifugal and external shearing forces. Surface tension and disjoining pressure due to van der Waals force provide diffusion to the system and smear the surface waves. Multiple waves of a molecularly thin liquid film are merged by the disjoining pressure. Surface waves are planarized by the centrifugal force, surface tension, external shearing force and disjoining pressure.

• Received 26 July 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.72.016313